mindfulness

We’re all familiar with multi-tasking. In fact, these days it’s easy to become an expert at it, but have you ever wondered what the opposite of multi-tasking is?
It’s called mindfulness, and it’s a helpful coping skill anyone can practice to manage stress, decrease aggression and improve relationships.
 
In simple terms, mindfulness means slowing down to be present in the moment and putting your full attention on one activity at a time.
 
Mindfulness is a coping skill that takes practice, and it’s great to practice on days when you’re feeling good! One way to do this is to put your focus into doing something simple that you enjoy doing and bring your awareness to how you feel. Here are some ways to do that:
 
Take a walk (or drive) and put your attention on quietly noticing pleasant scenes, like leaves changing color, seasonal decorations, or the smell of fall air. How did you feel while you were out?
When you have your favorite warm drink on a cold day, don’t rush drinking it. Just appreciate how it feels to your body. How did this affect your mood?
 
Mindfulness can also help a person improve ways to manage emotions.
Try Mindful Breathing by putting your attention on the sensation of breathing. Put your hands on your stomach to feel the pace of your breaths, and then bring your awareness to one part of your body that holds tension. Gently slow down your breathing to begin to release tension from that area. This takes practice.
Other ways to bring the skill of mindfulness into your life are through activities which use your emotions and senses. The way to do this is to put your full attention and awareness on the task you are doing such as: raking leaves, cooking, or putting lotion on your hands. What other ways can you practice mindfulness?
 
For more information, visit https://www.pocketmindfulness.com/ and click on “Start Here” and scroll down to find 6 Mindfulness Exercises. Another online resources is:  www.mindful.org

- Jim Gorham, Clinical Supervisor