Fall into Mindfulness
Fall can be a time of personal change and growth. The change of seasons is the perfect time to use mindfulness techniques and embrace what is all around us in order to lower stress levels. Let’s take a look at what mindfulness is and a simple exercise we can try.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness involves paying purposeful attention to the present moment. Through mindfulness techniques we can acknowledge what we are experiencing with non-judgmental awareness. Practicing mindfulness has been found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, lower stress levels and improve concentration. When we’re focused on what is in the present, it becomes more difficult to ruminate over future worries or stressful situations.
A Mindfulness Exercise
Whether we’re outside on a nature hike, or inside on a rainy day, we can practice connecting with our senses by reflecting on our physical sensations and the environment around us. Try this “three senses” exercise involving sound, sight and touch to practice being mindful in themoment.
Breathe in deeply several times, then ask yourself:
What are three things I hear? (birds chirping, voices in the distance, the wind whistling through the trees).
What are three things I see? (a squirrel running up a tree, a dogwalker in the distance, leaves falling off trees).
What are three things I feel? (the breeze against your face, sunlight warming your back, the soft ground under your feet).
Take time with your answers and enjoy being mindful. If you need help with managing stress or anxiety, contact us at Fancy Therapy Services.
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