Some call it meditating, I call it mindfulness..

Over the past 18 months we have been in a world of constant change. This has created pain and strain on every part of our existence! We no longer have "balance" in home life, work life, social life or in any aspects of our life.

As parents we have become our own at home daycare while working full time jobs/childcare/teachers/coaches and so much more leaving very little time to breathe.

For those without family or children this time has become an isolated prison of Loneliness,Anxiety and Depression.

Mental Health Crisis is at an all-time high and suicide rates are through the roof as adults and children suffer and try to find a way to cope.

Feelings of uncertainty, lack of freedom, choice and constant change has created a state of stress. Our mind and bodies are pulled and pushed like a yo-yo between flight and fight with is a recipe for disaster!

HOW DO WE COPE? How do we really slow it down and smell the roses that you don't have time to plant?

1. CLEAN THE CLOSET OF LIFE: ASSESS your current state and eliminate tasks and things that don't serve you now. Removing items mentally and physically can give a sense of space and freedom. When the cup is already full its hard to add more before you make a mess!

- remember that youtube sensation? Marie Kondo? she says.."if it no longer gives you joy, let it go.. those pants from your graduation year may fit again but will you ever wear them regardless?!

Lets do the same with holding on to things that don't serve it in a positive way..resentment, hard feelings and our shadows. Forgiveness( letting go) is the gateway to freedom.

2.LIVE ONE MOMENT/HOUR/DAY at a time: Focusing on tomorrow or the next hour only breeds anxiety/fear of the unknown. Getting stuck in the past and holding on only grows feelings of lack and depression.

-When you gaze toward the light you don't see the shadows behind you.

3.COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS: how can this help? It is proven through research that counting your blessings and making a list of gratitude will lift you up. The more time we spend in this grateful state the happier we are.

-we all know that misery loves company so the opposite is true also, Happy thoughts and positivity multiplies! Fake it till you make it?! An intentional smile will lift your mood!

4.MAKE A PLAN: Set some goals everyday to better your health and wellness:, maybe this is getting a pet/companion or going for a walk in nature. I have never regretted getting away from my phone and taking a walk , listening to the natural sounds around you and feeling the wind on your face. We live in a sedentary world and a short 15 minute walk several times a day (get away from the house/ computer/spouse/children (only if they are safe without you lol) to recharge has so many physical and mental benefits.

TIPS to start your daily meditation, aka, Mindfulness !- Finding joy in the little things. Happiness is there you just need to tap into it.

Slow things down.. Lets try, (I am including all of these as reminders for myself as I am the first to admit I have a hard time slowing it down and emptying my plate!)

-getting out of bed pay attention to how your body moves and feels

-brushing your teeth, one tooth at a time..

-feel the water running over your face in the shower or hands as you wash them

-drink you coffee extra slow and savour the taste, the temperature and the feel of your cup,feel the fluid as it enters your body

-eat you meal without distractions, in silence and mindfully chew and taste each bite. Set the table and arrange your food for enjoyment.. Its seems silly but do you rush to cram food into your mouth above the sink or while driving? (guilty!) Notice how the first bite taste is different from the one following. Can you enjoy every bite?

-walk slowly barefoot in the grass, can you feel the sensation of the earth on every part of your foot, between your toes?

-choose one thing each day that you will do slowly and mindfully paying attention to the sensations it gives you

-set aside time and sit quietly in a place free of distraction and do absolutely nothing, be still for a few minutes and then begin to lengthen this time over your days or coming weeks. During this time check in with your body, you breathing-how the air is entering your body through your nose or mouth, the rise and fall of your chest. If you find yourself daydreaming or the mind wanders, bring your focus back on your breath (counting the inhale and exhale can be helpful here). After sitting quietly for a few minutes before moving on to the next thing notice how you and your body feels.

Release any expectations of this moment and what you should be feeling and just be.

Mindfulness is being present.. try taking a moment before rushing to the next thing, before rushing to answer the phone place a smile on your face. Be intentional. Take time to pause and breath ( maybe even a few extra breaths!) consciously when you feel anxious, rushed or fear. This will help us create space between our emotions and our reactions.

A few favourite quotes on mindfulness:

" YOU ARE THE SKY , EVERYTHING ELSE-ITS JUST THE WEATHER"

"THE MIND IS LIKE A MUSCLE, THE MORE YOU EXERCISE IT THE MORE IT CAN EXPAND AND THE STRONGER IT GETS"

"WHEREVER YOU ARE BE THERE TOTALLY!"

Warmly,

Tina