m mindful living indfulness, a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, is used as a therapeutic technique. The practice of cultivating a focused awareness on the present moment is both a daily habit and a lifelong process, but you can begin living a 'mindful' life today and feel the benefits every day of your life. YOGA Stress and anxiety are everywhere. If they're getting the best of you, you might want to hit the mat and give yoga a try. Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation or relaxation. Yoga may help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and lower your heart rate. MINDFUL MEDITATION HERBAL TEA A soothing cup of herbal tea and five minutes of quiet can do wonders at relieving anxiety and stress. BODY AND MIND So often, we shovel food into our mouths without paying any attention to what we're From work to relationships, kids' activities to household tasks and so much more, modern life has never been busier and a lot more stressful. It's vital to both your mental health and physical health to find ways to reduce stress and live a more mindful life. HEALTH & WELLNESS Words by Jacqui Chaisson
eating or whether we feel full. Make a practice of listening to your body — and consciously nourish yourself with healthy foods, prepared and eaten with care. But mindful eating is all about taking your time, paying attention to the tastes and sensations — focus fully on the act of eating and eating-related decisions. Also pay attention to your media diet, be equally careful not to feed your mind with "junk food" like excess television, social media, mindless gaming and other psychological empty calories. Too much time on the internet has been linked with fewer hours of sleep per night and an increased risk of depression. Spend the final hour before bedtime doing something relaxing and calming instead of watching the news, checking social media or writing emails.
This simple technique practiced for as few as 10 minutes per day can help you control stress, decrease anxiety, improve cardiovascular health, and achieve a greater capacity for relaxation. The goal of mindful meditation is to focus your attention on things that are happening right now in the present moment. Relax the mind. When you're surrounded by chaos all day at work or at home, it may seem impossible to simply calm your mind. Take slow, deep breaths or try other breathing exercises for relaxation, soak in a warm bath or listen to soothing music. It does take practice to learn to relax your mind, so don't be discouraged in the beginning. Our breath is a barometer for our overall physical and mental state — and it's also the foundation of mindfulness. As mindful people know, calming the breath is the key to calming the mind.
The following are tips and practices to living a mindful life: GET OUTSIDE Whether it's getting fresh air or just getting yourself moving, a change of place and pace can reduce stress and give you a few moments to relax, especially during hectic times. Taking a walk for as little as five minutes every day can help to ease stress and refresh your mind. TAKE A TECH BREAK We are so connected, yet technology tends to isolate us from each other. Turn off and put away your devices for at least 30 minutes, take the time to read a book, take your dog for a walk or simply listen to the silence.
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www. pei-living.ca SPRING 2018
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