From Sharp Health News, a publication of Sharp HealthCare
Many of us are constantly busy, multi-tasking, rushing and allowing ourselves to be bombarded with distractions. But a noisy mind creates stress and can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed. It can also lead to physical health problems.
However, experts have found that mindfulness practices can be a foundation for overall health and wellness. According to the American Psychological Association, mindfulness can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression; help in the treatment of pain, smoking and addiction; and may even boost the immune system.
Try these eight simple mindfulness practices to quiet your mind and calm your body:
- Stop to rest. Notice what you see, hear, and feel in the moment you pause in stillness. Listen to this mindful moment meditation to soak in the beauty around you.
- Relax with your breath. Take a deep breath and focus on your exhalation, feeling yourself letting go as you breathe out. Follow along with this 7-11 breathing practice.
- See. Focus on something interesting or beautiful you see nearby and take a moment to notice its details. Follow along with this grounding meditation that engages your 5 senses.
- Hear. Bring your attention to the sounds you hear and pause to listen carefully, focusing on each sound separately. Watch this guided meditation to tune into your surroundings and notice the sounds around you.
- Feel. Bring your attention into your body and feel the sensations in each area. Release any tension or tightness and let relaxation spread. Watch this 10-minute guided chair yoga sequence to invigorate energy into the body.
- Focus on the good. Imagine someone or something you love and the positive emotions, such as joy and serenity, they make you feel. Check out this journal prompt to help you reflect on moments of joy.
- Be grateful. Think about something or someone for which you are grateful and consider how they enrich your life. Start your mornings with a virtual Gratitude Meditation class.
By taking the time to do mindfulness practices like these, you’ll be empowered to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and resilience. Embrace the practice of mindfulness and discover the transformative power it holds in bringing balance and serenity to your life.
The VEBA Resource Center offers a multitude of mindfulness classes, both virtually and in-person. Check out our calendar to sign up for an upcoming class. You can also watch on-demand mindfulness and meditation classes whenever you want in the video library.
To watch more videos on mindfulness and ways to self-regulate, check out the YouTube Channel.
