It's almost March so you know what that means.... A brand new challenge!! This upcoming month, we're all about embracing mindfulness in any form that feels right for YOU! No need to sit in a lotus pose for hours (unless that’s your thing). It can be a few minutes of breathing, a walk in nature, or simply taking the time to savor your food. Mindfulness is about being present in the current moment. Let’s talk about it....
Why Take On This Challenge?
Look, I get it. You’re probably thinking, "What does sitting still and thinking about my breathing really do for me?". I know that spending 10 minutes a day pretending to be at peace isn't going to solve all of life's problems. But here’s why squeezing in some mindful moments could make everything a whole lot more bearable:
- Reduce Stress: Mindfulness practices help turn off your stress response and activate relaxation.
- Increase Focus: Who else starts a task only to find your mind drifting? Practicing mindfulness helps you get back to the present, making it easier to stay on task and feel more productive.
- Improve Emotional Health: Mindfulness can help you build emotional resilience. Don't forget to increase your mental strength!
- Enhance Relationships: Practicing mindfulness helps you become more present in conversations, leading to better communication and deeper connections. I promise, your friends, family, and coworkers will notice the difference!
- Boost Overall Wellbeing: It's a great way to invest in yourself without breaking the bank (no gym membership required!).
- Day 1-3: You might feel like you’re just slapping a gold star on a “Mindfulness for Dummies” checklist, but guess what? You're already making the commitment to change!
- Day 4-7: You’ll start to notice small moments of peace throughout the day. Maybe you’ll catch yourself pausing before reacting to something, or you’ll feel a little more grounded when things get crazy.
- Day 8-15: Your mindful moments are becoming part of your daily routine. It could be a “am I still breathing?” check in, or even a mindful stroll through the candle section, you’re more in tune with yourself than ever.
- Day 16-30: By now, mindfulness should be your secret weapon. You’ve found your personal way to hit pause when needed, and it’s helping you feel more calm, focused, and connected with the world around you.
- Practice at least one form of mindfulness every day. This can be anything from mindful eating, to a walking meditation, to deep breathing exercises.
- Be gentle with yourself. There’s no "wrong" way to practice mindfulness. If your mind wanders during a breathing session, that’s totally normal. Just bring yourself back without judgment.
- Explore different types of mindfulness. If one form doesn’t resonate, try another! There are so many different types and one size does not fit all. Find what works for YOU!
- Track your progress. Journaling your experience can help you reflect on your mindful moments and notice the subtle changes happening in your mind and body. Plus, it’s fun to see your growth over the month!
- Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor your meals. Take a moment to appreciate the colors, textures, and flavors of your food. Put your phone down, take a few deep breaths, and enjoy the moment.
- Mindful Walking: Take a walk outside, but instead of rushing, pay attention to your surroundings. Feel the ground beneath your feet, listen to the sounds around you, and breathe deeply. It’s like hitting the reset button for your mind.
- Breathing Breaks: Pause for a few minutes to focus on your breath. Try inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4, and exhaling for 4. It's a quick way to bring calm to your day. I do not recommend doing this on a full stomach lol.
- Mindful Listening: In conversations, practice active listening. Focus on truly hearing the other person’s words without distractions. You might be surprised by how much more connected you feel!
- Body Scans: Every day you should be checking in with your body. Start from your toes and work your way up, noticing any areas of tension. Simply being aware of how your body feels can bring instant calm.
Mindfulness is Your Ticket to Locking In On The Now
Be chill, stay tethered to the earth and don’t forget to celebrate the little wins along the way. Mindfulness is about making space for the present, and every day you show up to this challenge is a win. Stay healthy my friends!!!
