Mindful Wellness

Stress under the right conditions can lead to superhuman strength, laser focus, and peak performance, but unchecked stress can wreak havoc on our lives from stage fright to chronic health conditions.

By managing how we perceive and experience stress in our lives, we can affect our nervous system's response and our longterm health.

By managing how we perceive and experience stress in our lives, we can affect our nervous system's response and our longterm health.

Meditation and mindfulness are practices focused on learning to be fully present and engaged in the moment. Becoming aware of what you are sensing, feeling, and thinking without interpretation, distraction, or judgment can help you experience thoughts and feelings with greater balance and acceptance.

Breathing is a simple and powerful way to engage with the present moment and to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Extend your breath with diaphragmatic and ratio breathing.

Body scanning is a mindfulness practice that brings attention to the present moment through focus on our physical being and sensations.

Guided imagery is a form of meditation in which we access pleasant thoughts or memories to evoke physical sensations and responses that can improve relaxation and positive feelings.

Self compassion and gentle, affirming inner dialogue can improve our capacity for self acceptance, forgiveness, and connection to others. Consider areas you could be more compassionate toward yourself. How can you extend love and appreciation toward yourself?

An attitude of gratitude makes us more aware of the positive things in our life and places our attention on the present to increase our joy. What are you grateful for?

Increased time spent on our electronic devices can affect our sense of wellbeing by removing our attention from the present moment and changing our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Consider methods for unplugging and decreasing screen time.

Self care is how we maintain a healthy relationship with ourselves. Self care is not selfish. It is a reminder to ourselves and others that our needs are valid. We must replenish ourselves before we can pour into others.

Spending time in green spaces has been shown to improve anxiety, stress, and depression. Whether you are participating in a formal ecotherapy or nature meditation session, engaging in physical activity in a natural environment, or experiencing the Japanese art of Shinrin Yoku ("forest bathing"), you can receive Mother Nature's healing properties through this well spent time outdoors.