What is mindful living - you may ask? It is everything from healthy food choices, positive thoughts, being aware of our surroundings, to listening to our body in movement. The very act of being purposeful, present with an awareness of the immense value of every moment of our day, sets the tone to how we think, what we accomplish and our overall life fulfillment.
There has never been a more important time than now to view your wellness as an investment in your quality of life.
Here are some quick tips:
- Mindful living - is literally, taking the time to smell the roses, to laugh, to feel the sunshine on your face, to enjoy a sunrise or sunset, to do a kind deed, to enjoy the fruits of your labor, to intentionally guard your mind and consciously protect your heart. These daily activities will produce joy, peace, happiness and balance to your daily living.
- Mindful thoughts - the adage that we are what we think upon, is true, so feed your mind healthy, positive affirmations, rather than whats on TV or social media which only causes heightened stress, loneliness, anxiety and generalized overthinking. Play music in your car or at home that is up-lifting and edifying, read inspirational books, choose the programs you wish to enjoy instead of falling asleep to the negative drone of the cable station. Begin and end your day with thankfulness, and gratitude.
- Mindful eating - think about "how" you are fueling your mind and body. Listen to your body and learn from its messages after eating particular food, ie. better energy, more allergies, feeling sluggish, or mind is less foggy.
- Plan and prepare so nourishment is provided at each meal which translates to your body and mind that you are thinking about and valuing your wellness. Enjoy the combination of flavours, colours and the wonderful smells emitted with cooking home-made meals. The "act" of preparing, cooking and of course, eating provides pleasure to all of our senses. Remember to stay hydrated ... many times we reach for food when our body is actually thirsty and needs to be quenched.
- Mindful movement - remember to move your body through-out the day...as simple as some stretches, or a lunchtime walk. Movement reduces stress, increases the amount of oxygen in your cells, produces endorphins, increases strength and improves balance, to name just a few of the benefits. Feel your body as it moves - such a miracle!
- Mindful breathing - there is none of the above, IF we don't breathe. I am not talking about the shallow, collarbone breathing that is done daily but rather, deep, diaphragmatic and belly breathing that aerates your body, and saturates every tissue with life-saving oxygen. It resembles opening the windows of your home to freshen the air quality of each room. A minimum of 10 deep breathes daily will be so beneficial.
Lastly, “Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).” – James Baraz
If you need guidance, with living mindfully...please, reach out as my Healthy Living 90 day program addresses many of the recommendations above and so very much more!
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