When you’re mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in – and enjoying – the present moment. Mindfulness can bring you benefits emotionally, physically, and socially. Here are ideas to help you incorporate mindfulness into your day:

  1. Meditation: Find a quiet place, free yourself of distractions, and quiet your mind. A simple meditation starter technique is to focus on a place you feel is relaxing (for instance, the beach). Start by picturing the waves coming in and out for 30 seconds. Hear the sounds. Feel the temperature. See the scenery. Let everything else go from your mind. Gradually increase your meditation time as you become more skilled at the practice.
  2. Deep Breathing: A simple exercise of focusing on the sound and rhythm of your breath can have a calming effect and can help to keep you grounded in the present moment. Feel the air enter your lungs and your lungs expand to hold it. Feel your lungs relax as you let the air go.
  3. Listen to Music: Listen to virtually any type of calming music and focus on the sound and vibrations of each note to bring the music within you for a “right now” feeling.
  4. Observe Your Thoughts: Busy and overloaded minds often find it challenging to focus. Instead of working against the stream of your thoughts, sit back and “observe” them, rather than becoming involved. This can help you to better process and decrease the stress you are feeling.

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