Mindfulness has become a buzzword. Which means we might dismiss it. We might write it off as the latest fad to follow (and we don’t follow fads). But mindfulness really can help us to lead calmer, more fulfilling lives. It can brighten the most humdrum of moments because we realize the real wonder these moments hold. 

Pick an exercise that resonates with you, and see what happens!

The Scoop About Mindfulness:

• Mindfulness is not mysterious. It’s familiar to us because it’s what we already do, how we already are. It takes many shapes and goes by many names.

• Mindfulness is not a special added thing we do. We already have the capacity to be present, and it doesn’t require us to change who we are. But we can cultivate these natural qualities with simple practices that are scientifically demonstrated to benefit ourselves, our loved ones, our friends and neighbors, the people we work with, and the institutions and organizations we take part in.

• You don’t need to change. Solutions that ask us to change who we are or become something we’re not have failed us over and over again. Mindfulness recognizes and fosters the best of who we are as human beings.

• Mindfulness has the potential to become a life-changing, social phenomenon. 

• Anyone can do it. Mindfulness practice cultivates universal human qualities and does not require anyone to change their beliefs. Everyone can benefit and it’s easy to learn.

• It’s a way of living.  Mindfulness is more than just a practice. It brings awareness and caring into everything we do—and it cuts down needless stress. Even a little makes our lives better.

• It’s evidence-based. We don’t have to take mindfulness on faith. Both science and experience demonstrate its positive benefits for our health, happiness, work, and relationships.

• It sparks innovation. As we deal with our world’s increasing complexity and uncertainty, mindfulness can lead us to effective, resilient, low-cost responses to seemingly unshakeable problems.

• Deep breathing exercises

• 5 senses activity

• Body scan

• Self-affirmations

• Take a break

• Ask for help

• Progressive muscle relaxation

Eleven Helpful APPS to Download for Mental Health

1. Pacifica (For Android and iPhone) It lets you rate and trac your mood over time, and provides guided deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises. Users can record their own thoughts to help understand and analyze their thinking patterns.

2. Breathe2Relax (For Android and iPhone) developed by the National Center for Telehealth & Technology, guides you through diaphragmatic breathing (or “belly breathing”), allows you to record your own stress level, and provides informative videos and graphics about the consequences of stress.

3. PTSD Coach (For Android and iphone) This app from the National Center of PTSD, educates viewers about PTSD and includes stress management tools.

4. Relax Melodies (For Android and iPhone) Leading personalized sleep aid that offers over 50 sounds and tunes that each user is allowed to customize.

5. MindShift (For Android and iPhone) Offers strategies for people that are facing anxieties. Includes positive thinking exercises, symptom trackers, and relaxation techniques.

6. The Smiling Mind (For Android and iPhone) Trying to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life? This app can help you launch into a regular practice of mindfulness meditations. There are several programs broken down by age group (ranging from age 7 to adult). It tracks how often you are meditating and provides guided practices as well.

7. 7 Cups of Tea (For Android and iPhone) Allows you to talk to someone completely anonymous, similarly to therapy.

8. Self-Help for Anxiety Management (For Android and iPhone) Helps you get a grasp on your anxiety and understand it better

9. Personal Zen (For Android and iPhone) A game that has been proven to reduce stress levels.

10. Flowy (For Android and iPhone) A game designed to treat certain mental illnesses, and has been known to help people end panic attacks by incorporating breathing exercises into their gameplay.

Stigma (For Android and iPhone) This app is inspired by our personal struggles with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. This app provides you a safe way to build your support network, journal what is on your mind, and keep track of your mood.