Embracing the Power of Now 4 TIPS FOR PRACTICING MINDFULNESS
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!
In a world consumed by social media and the internet, which certainly are luxuries, it’s easy to forgo reading an actual book, whether it be a paperback or Kindle version. However, this month, we celebrate National Book Month, a time when we are urged to celebrate and expand upon our love for reading. Novels and books are treasures that allow us to explore the lives, thoughts, and experiences of others without ever leaving our home (or bed) and to tap into some of the best fantasies and plots imaginable. Exploring the Magic Between Two Book Covers
throughout school years and even after finding a career. This is mainly due to the facts that strong vocabularies can enhance communication and also boost self-confidence. Reduces Stress Diverting your mind and allowing yourself to slip away into a fantasy world can be relaxing and help you take your mind off of life’s stressors. Plus, you never know what advice or life lessons you’ll find embedded in a book. Expands Knowledge No matter what genre you pick up, you’re bound to learn something – whether it’s a fun fact that can help you win a trivia match down the road, a tidbit about history, or a new way to motivate yourself. Books are chock- full of life lessons and facts just waiting to be soaked up. Remember, unlike material things, knowledge lasts a lifetime. Improves Focus Picking up your phone or smart tablet to do a quick Google search on something is easy and perhaps has made us a bit lazy. While it’s great to have everything available at our fingertips, reading a book or getting lost in a good story is a great way to embrace the power of focus and concentration.
Reading a good book unlocks some of the best benefits that go beyond just pure enjoyment. Here are a few:
Exercises and Stimulates the Brain Reading stimulates your mind and keeps it active. In fact, it’s even been linked to slowing down the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, cognitive stimulation is crucial to keep you sharp and on your toes. Builds Vocabulary Researchers have proven that when children begin reading at a young age, they develop extensive vocabularies over time. This is important because specific words and eloquence can be extremely helpful
What good books have you picked up recently? With so many physical and mental benefits, be sure always to find the time to read a great book!
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