Tips for Mental and Spiritual Wellness Think Safety Tips
Mental and Spiritual Wellness
Breathe Deeply - Practice deep abdominal breathing periodically throughout the day. Breathe in deeply through your nose pulling your belly button toward your spine, hold for a few seconds, and then slowly release, exhaling longer than your breath in. This simple technique can result in a more relaxed body and mind and can be done in any environment.
Listen to music. Whether you are on your way to work, preparing a meal, or tidying up, put on music that helps you to feel the way that you want to feel. If you are feeling stressed, you might choose calming music. If you are looking to raise your energy, pick something to jazz you up. Try music with lyrics that lifts your spirit. Forget the TV and choose music instead, it can have a significant influence on your mind, body and spirit!
Practice mindfulness. Stop yourself in various situations to see if you can notice where your thoughts are. Are you focused on what is happening around you or is your mind caught up in something else? See if you can stay present in what is going on in the very moment. What do you notice? Is someone talking? What are they talking about? Are you alone? What are you thinking about? What is around you? Do you see, hear or smell anything? This is staying in the moment. See what it feels like.
Meditate or find time for silence. Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention to help you feel calm and give you a clear awareness about your life. Two meditation techniques most common. Concentrative meditation focuses on a single image, sound, mantra (words spoken or sung in a pattern), or your own breathing. Mindful meditation does not focus on a single purpose; rather, you are aware of all thoughts, feelings, sounds, or images that pass through your mind. Meditation usually involves slow, regular breathing and sitting quietly for 10 to 20 minutes. If this seems difficult, start by trying to spend five minutes a day in silence.
Walk, Walk, Walk. Don't worry if you don't have a destination. Walking has the power to clear a your head. If you feel like being alone, walk by yourself. If you feel like company, call a friend. If you have 10 minutes, walk for that amount at a comfortable pace. If you have time and are feeling good then enjoy a longer walk.
The hardest part is getting out the door. Once you are out, the rest takes care of itself. Stop before you head out today and ask yourself, "is it possible for me to walk to where I am going?" If so, go for it! The key is to move your body. "Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness; I have walked myself into my best thoughts" Kierkegaard
Build and maintain friendships. Take care of the friendships you have and build healthy reciprocal relationships. Our quality of life is influenced by having healthy relationships and a solid support system. Find time to spend with the people you care about who feel the same about you.
Enhance your spiritual practice. For some this is about finding time to engage in spiritual practice for others it is about exploring your spirituality. This is done through personal reflection, reading, finding a spiritual community or developing your own regular spiritual practice. "Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again." Joseph Campbell
Focus on what you are grateful for. Life is filled with experiences and events that bring about an emotional response. Everyday we have a choice as to what we will focus on which creates how we feel. Turn your mind to what you are grateful for to steer away from dwelling on the things that pull you down. This might take some practice but in time can result in a more positive mindset and enhanced resiliency. What you focus on expands.
Connect with your community. Getting involved in what is going on in your community can build relationships and create a sense of connectedness. Whether you choose to volunteer or participate in activities available in your community either can have a positive impact on overall wellness.
Reward yourself. Commit to a certain time each week to do something with yourself. Visit a museum. Have a bubble bath. Cook yourself a good meal. See a movie. Read a book you've been meaning to read. Call someone you haven't spoken to for a while. Sit in a park. Learn a new language. It doesn't matter what it is, just do something for you.
Remember to laugh. Sometimes life gets too serious and ... When you see or hear something that makes you smile or laugh, share it with someone you know. A little humour can go a long way. Laughter causes our body to release endorphins which decrease tension, stress, anxiety, irritation and anger. Laughter also alleviates grief, and depression. Laughter lowers inhibitions, allowing the release of pent-up emotions. A hearty bout of laughter provides a sense of well-being.
Tips for Mental and Spiritual Wellness Think Safety Tips