Quieting Your Mind: Mindfulness Strategies

Our lives have become so busy that we many times neglect our inner voice’s need for rest and relaxation. Part of living a healthy, balanced life is also practicing a lot of self-care. A mindful lifestyle will help you stop, and pause when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

Let’s look at ways in which you can practice mindfulness:

Breathing: It might sound straightforward, but when last did have you just focussed on your breath. Find a quiet spot and for a few minutes just focus on breathing in, holding your breath, and breathing out.

Talk a Walk: Mindfulness is about being in the present moment. Try to take a walk without multitasking. Notice how your body is moving, how your feet are touching the ground, how the wind is touching your face and what sounds you are hearing while moving.

Journal: Writing down your feelings and thoughts is a great way to acknowledge what is going on in your mind. Journaling can also help you ‘open up’ space in your mind for other activities and seeing your words written out could help you deal with them and find solutions.

Tap into your senses: Another way to be mindful is by using your senses. Light a candle, what does it smell like, eat your food slowly and notice what you are tasting, watch inspiring videos that will boost your mood and listening to relaxing music.

Just Observe: So many wonderful things pass us by each day because we don’t take the time to notice them. Observing the world around you will also help you to be more grateful for who you are and what you have. Go sit in a park and just notice the small things around you, you’d be surprised at the perspective it could give you.

These are just a few simple ways in which we can practice quieting our minds and be mindful on a daily basis. If you need more ideas and ways in which to practice mindfulness we can discuss it during a session at my counseling practice in Lancaster, PA.