How often do you feel overwhelmed with all the things on your to-do list? Do you feel spread so thin that it affects how you think and feel? Instead of allowing yourself to get swallowed with stress and anxiety over your to-do list, pause and take a few moments to practice mindfulness. While it may be difficult to find the time to do so - especially when life feels like it is coming at your from all directions - it is so important to stop what you are doing, focus on the present and be grateful for all you have. This small shift in perspective can make a huge difference!
Here are five techniques you can do anywhere to help promote mindfulness in your day:
Mini Meditation Session
No matter how busy you may be, you are more than likely to find five minutes to dedicate to meditation. All you have to do is sit down, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Take big, deep breaths and focus on each one. Listen to how your body feels and watch your racing mind transform into peaceful thoughts. Allow your mind to drift into peace, returning your focus when needed.
Add this five-minute meditation to your morning routine to help start your day on the right note, or in the evening as you get ready to wind down for the night. There are plenty of meditation apps, like Headspace, that provide guided meditation sessions, too.
Take a breath
When life is coming at you at all at once and you feel like you barely have enough energy to get by, remind yourself to stop and breathe. Seriously! It's so important. There is a big reason why slowing your breath calms you down. It is a very powerful source. Oftentimes, when you are stressed, you most likely resort to taking short and sharp breaths. This automatically tells your brain that you are in a stressful situation and your body will react. By taking a short inhale and a long exhale, this helps prevent the stress response from kicking in.
To test out this theory, stop what you are doing right now and take five deep breaths. Pay attention to how you feel before and after this exercise!
Shift your perspective
Do you feel like you can’t catch a break? Are you feeling so down due to stress? If this is the case, make an effort to shift your perspective. Grab a notebook and write down three things that you are grateful for. No matter how difficult life may be, there are always things to be thankful for. Figure out what it is, write it down, and believe it! Once you acknowledge this, watch how quickly your perspective starts to shift. Continue to make an effort to focus on the positives, instead of the negatives. You will start to see things work out in your favor, too. Your perspective is a powerful force!
Turn it up with tunes
Music is an incredibly powerful source. We all have that one artist, song or playlist that is bound to put us in a good mood. When you find yourself in a funk, put your earbuds in and click play on your favorite tunes. Listen to the words and the beat of the music. Sing your favorite lyrics! Do all that you can to solely focus on the music.
If you are looking to cultivate a more peaceful, meditation vibe, put on some soft, classical music. The tunes will shift your mood and allow you to be more mindful.
Get some movement
Daily movement is so important for the mind, body and soul. Whether you go for a morning walk with your dog, play an outdoor activity or attend a fitness class, these are all incredible ways to move your body. Dedicate an hour to exercise and only focus on it. Pay attention to each move you do and how you feel. Focus your energy on your fitness goals, whether that means getting stronger, fit or toned. You will be amazed with how incredible you feel during and after your workout once you complete your goal. Make it a point to move your body at least five times a week, and allow for two days to rest. Your body will start to thank you!
And of course, warming up a cup of our organic bone broth concentrates always pairs well with these five mindfulness techniques! By actively taking the time out of your day to sit down, relax and enjoy your cup of broth, while being mindful, you are healing your mind and body to glow. Allow yourself to be present and focus on the broth.
Add these techniques to your daily routine to notice a huge shift in perspective!
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