Mind Full or Mindful?

Yesterday I pulled into my driveway after a morning of running errands. I was stressed and running through what was next on my plate when I noticed the anxiousness within my body. My stomach was uneasy - sort of like knots, and my body felt the need to move to combat the anxiety inside. Because I have crafted an effective mindfulness activity that works for me, I was able to ease my belly and relax my mind. I did so, softly, right there in the driver’s seat of my car.

I sat still in my seat, I placed my feet firmly on the floorboard of my car and began to breathe in sync with the trees rhythmically blowing in the wind outside my window. I didn’t stop thinking about my to-do list or avoid infiltrating thoughts, I just simply took notice.

I sat still like this for about three minutes. My problems were not solved, nor did I manifest a lightbulb idea on how to better manage everything. Instead, however, things seemed less overwhelming and more easily approachable.

As the new year is in full swing, the "to-do" lists can be overwhelming—new year resolutions, the start of a new semester, new job, new home, etc. As we readjust into the newness of life or maybe just get back into the swing of our day to day, it is important to remember ways to self-care. One way that works for me is practicing mindfulness similar to the above.

Psychology Today defines "Mindfulness" as "a state of active, open attention to the present." This is a state where you aim to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Psychology Today lists the benefits of practicing mindfulness as "lowering stress levels, reducing harmful ruminating thoughts, and protecting against depression and anxiety."

The challenge can be that maybe you haven’t found what works for you. Or maybe you feel stifled and discouraged by this process. The art of mindfulness gives us permission to “pause” from our stress. Here, at NCTP, we offer services that can help decrease symptoms of anxiety and help build tools that work really well just for you. If any of the above resonated with you, please feel free to contact me or another one of us here at the office.

In times of stress, it is ok to hit pause and be mindful.

Authored by Emily Stewart, intern

Resource: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/mindfulness