How can I be Mindful?

There are different means to achieve mindfulness. A sit-down quiet meditation is usually the first strategy that people think of, but there are other methods of mindfulness that can help one achieve calming and being present.

Approaches to Mindful Practice

Music • Muscle Relaxation • Nature Time • Journaling • Movement


Chinese
prover
b

“There are many paths
to the top of the mountain,
but the view is always the same!”


Image: Laura Hansen 2016

Music for Stress Relief

Listening to soothing music promotes calming effects and can help with personal stress-relief. Orchestra, classical, and sounds of nature adds soothing to work or a focussed activity. Starting the day with a Mindfulness playlist can help remind you to drop your shoulders, take deep breaths, and be present first thing in the morning.

Relaxing Music with beautiful nature and calm Music
By Meditation Relax Music

Meditation Music providing calm music to promote inner peace
By
Body Mind Zone

Muscle Relaxation

Focusing on different parts of the body can calm your body down. These guided meditations help focus your attention to the present status of your body.



Try this meditation practice to relax your body from head to toe.


Time in Nature

One good result of the pandemic was that we were all forced to stay home and that led to great opportunities to explore outdoor space. Now that we are not as strictly quarantined, it's beneficial to still reap the mindful benefits and schedule some outside time!


Benefits of Being Mindful Outdoors

Scientific research reveals the benefits that practicing mindfulness in nature can significantly improve your psychological and physical well being.mindful.org/the-benefits-of-being-mindful-outdoors

By Grace Bullock, PHD

Journaling

Question: Is the Gratitude Journal the best way to start writing?

Answer: Quite possibly, but there are many diverse methods for mindful journaling.


This is true for students and adults alike to connect with the positive parts of our lives. Journaling opens up creativeness because it’s such a free and open-ended task.


Benefits from Mindful Journaling

  • Reduces stress

  • Helps notice feelings

  • Makes connections with thoughts

  • Identifies individual strengths

  • Recognizes personal causes of happiness

  • Facilitates problem solving

  • Supports conflict resolution


The Benefits of Journaling for Stress Management
By Elizabeth Scott, MS

Movement

There are many ways to engage in mindful movement. Some activities are structured or guided, while others can be individual mindful activities. Noticing (what your body is doing) is an example of a practice that can be done anywhere at any time!


2-Minute Mindful Movement Practice