Guide to Mindfulness and Self Care
Landry Whittaker
Staff Writer
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The only things we can control in our lives are our thoughts, our feelings, and our behavior through the way we act and speak. Everything else that happens in our lives is in the hands of the universe. What we can do though, is be grateful for every moment and be sure to never take for granted what we have. Ways to appreciate the present moment are to practice some if not all of the following gratitude exercises.
Each morning as you open your eyes from a night's rest, it is a new day and a fresh start. It is an amazing privilege to be awake and alive. Take a moment to appreciate yourself and set intentions. How will you give back to the universe today? Build a strong morning routine by stretching your body, drinking water, brushing and flossing your teeth, opening a window and cleaning your room or workspace. Cleaning your room can be therapeutic if you practice deep breathing exercises while organizing.
With each step you take to start your day, put good vibes back into the earth. Give nature the peace and love it so rightfully deserves. Remember to take care of your plants because they need water and affection too. Spending time outside is a remarkable way to get in touch with nature and thank the universe once again for being so perfect and giving us life on Earth.
Within the first half hour of waking up, a great way to get refreshed is to take a shower, play upbeat music, and get dressed for the day ahead of you. As you get dressed, thank your body for all it does for you. Thank your eyes for what you see. If you have a book laying around, indulge in the book and strengthen your mind anyway possible. Perhaps a minute to create art suits your life better. Either way, journaling a to do list, your dreams and goals, feelings, and self- affirmations will heighten your senses throughout the day. Write a message to a loved one, appreciate the love we contain in our hearts and try your best to spread positivity anyway you can.
Always remember to fuel your body in the morning by completing a quick workout and eating a healthy breakfast. Yoga and meditation reduces stress and anxiety as well as improves balance, strength, and flexibility. Practicing 10 minutes of yoga a day is proven to put you in a better mood. It is also important to practice being grateful before each meal by thanking the food for nourishing your body. Think about each ingredient and what had to be done for each item to be on the plate. While you are cooking, cook with love. Appreciate the colors, smells, textures, and flavors of the foods. Besides, think about perspective, not everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy a healthy meal. Being thankful allows us to slow down and appreciate what we have.
Mindfulness helps us stay grateful in the present moment, but sometimes we need a bit of extra help jump starting our day to be on track for a wonderful day. Affirmations are a healthy and easy way to appreciate every aspect of ourselves. Try saying these to yourself in the mirror with a smile, or throughout the day when you need to come back to your body in the present moment:
I am in the right place at the right time.
I accept myself deeply and unconditionally.
I am thankful for everything I have.
All I need is within me.
I have plenty of time and energy to do the things I need to do.
I am allowed to take up space.
I am beautiful.
I love my body.
I am calm and at peace.
My thoughts and my feelings matter.
My past experiences do not define me.
My life is just beginning.
I accept myself exactly as I am.