Have you ever sat down to eat a bowl of ice cream, then looked down a minute or two later to notice you only have one bite left? What about reaching your destination in the car and not recalling one thing about the entire trip? With the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s tough to be present 100% of the time, but we shouldn’t let our minds go on autopilot. Not only can this be a safety hazard, but it may also impact important relationships and reduce our enjoyment and satisfaction. With busy schedules and long to-do lists, how can we be more mindful? Here are four tips to help you embrace the power of now! Use the power of meditation. You don’t need to meditate for a long time, and it certainly doesn’t require special poses or guidance. But taking just five minutes out of your day to focus on your breathing and clear your mind counts as meditation. It can help you to be more aware, present, and productive, especially in times of stress. Slow down. Try savoring the process of a task, even if it isn’t your favorite thing to do. Paying deliberate attention to your daily actions and activities, like doing the dishes or even folding laundry, promotes healthy focus and reduces feelings of being overwhelmed. Get moving. Incorporating exercise and movement into your daily routine helps you to become aware of your body’s sensations. You’ll be more appreciative of how your body responds to different stimuli and movements, and this trains you to be more aware of yourself. Practice mindful eating. Do you always eat in front of the television or computer? Try eating without distractions, dine in good company, or pay closer attention to flavors and textures of the meal — it’s good for both your body and soul! Embracing the Power of Now 4 Tips for Practicing Mindfulness
We are happy to assist our clients with all of their real estate needs. From new home purchases to refinances, we are eager to assist you, your friends, or your family at either our Lexington office or our Aiken office. If you or someone you know is looking to move in the next couple of months, or wants a lower interest rate with a refinance, please let us know. –Chasity, TC, and Jeff WE DO REAL ESTATE CLOSINGS!
Creamy Baked Pumpkin Risotto
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
INGREDIENTS
•
• •
5 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth 2 cups Arborio rice 2 cups of pumpkin, diced
Pepper, to taste 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• • •
•
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
•
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin purée
2 tbsp mascarpone cheese
• •
•
1/2 yellow onion, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat the oven to 400 F and arrange a rack in the middle. 2. In a 3-quart baking dish, combine broth, rice, diced and puréed pumpkin, and onion. 3. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until evenly combined. 4. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake until water has been absorbed and rice granules are puffed. 5. Remove from the oven and stir in basil, grated Parmesan cheese, mascarpone cheese, and olive oil.
Call Now! 803-358-7214 • 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator