Mindfulness

We've all had times when it feels like everything is happening at once and there's no way we can catch up. When life is easy, staying present isn't an issue. When life gets tough, that's a different story. So how do you stay on top of your mental health in those tough times? One extremely useful tool is mindfulness.

Mindfulness is a broad term that can encompass anything from meditation, to exercise, to just breathing. How do you implement it into your daily routine?

One method is to set aside 10-20 minutes every morning for a meditation. There are guided routines you can do through apps and websites, but you can do it on your own as well! Just sit in a comfortable position, focus on breathing deeply into your stomach at a steady pace, and either clear your head of any thoughts or focus on one intention, such as "I will make today a great day". Choose an intention that relates to your current situation, it doesn't have to be big or the same every time!

Another method is to utilize "mental rest stops". This is a practice of setting aside certain times of day to completely clear out everything you have going on and focus on one or 0 things around you. Choose times such as during your commute to work, in the shower, mealtimes, etc. These are great mental rest stops because you can't get that work presentation touched up in the shower, and your family dinner won't be prepared on your drive home from work. Use these stops to do whatever brings you peace, whether that's listening to music, keeping it quiet, etc. Breathe deep, clear your mind, and refresh yourself for the time ahead.

Beyond those two focused practices, mindfulness can relate to any part of your day. While you're going through your daily activities, focus on being in and appreciating the present. If you're walking through a park, focus on the clouds above and the birds around instead of any work or home problems that may be occuring. Think positively about yourself and your surroundings. Positive self-talk can have a massive impact on your mental health and keep you going.

Finally, sectioning off time for exercise both as a frustration release and "mental rest stop" can give your mental health a major boost. Sometimes you just need to sweat it out! Moving heavy things or running/biking/rowing/swimming at a quick pace can serve as an outlet for frustrations and other emotions, getting it out of your system so you're able to handle the rest of your day a little easier. 

Our challenge to you this next week or beyond is to practice some form of mindfulness every day, whether it's meditation, mental rest stops, exercise, mindfulness, or a combination of those. You'll feel great and be able to better handle anything life throws your way!