SYRACUSE, N.Y. – As part of the Crunch Mental Wellness Program launched in 2023, Syracuse Crunch mindfulness coach Ulrika Eriksson gives a biweekly mindfulness tip to help calm your mind and body throughout everyday life.
Released every other Monday, these "Mindful Monday" tips are helpful in regulating happiness, stress and anxiety and making you more aware of how your mind and body work.
Mindful Monday Tip #1:
Start a daily gratitude practice. State three things you're grateful for when you wake up then share something you're grateful for with someone you meet during the day. End your day the way it started and state three more things you're grateful for.
Mindful Monday Tip #2:
Trick your brain into happiness by smiling. Smile for 15 seconds and see how you feel. Set an hourly reminder throughout the day to smile. Smiling is contagious so giving someone a friendly smile can brighten someone else's day as well as yours.
Mindful Monday Tip #3:
Try the practice of mindful eating. Avoid doing anything else but eating so you are focused on your meal and the act of eating. Limit thoughts, stay off electronics and don't eat while on the go. Be fully present and notice how the food tastes, smells, the texture of it and how it makes you feel.
Mindful Monday Tip #4:
Identify a habit you'd like to break. Next time you perform your habit be aware of what you're doing without judgement. Ask yourself why you're doing it. Can you identify the thoughts that caused it? Replace your habit with a better one and find an alternative that works best for you.
Mindful Monday Tip #5:
Ease your mind with quiet time mediating on your breathing. Find a comfortable seated position, close your eyes if you can and focus on your breathing. Don't judge yourself if you get distracted. Refocus your thoughts and return to breathing. This is a great practice your calm your mind and body if you feel stress or anxiety.
Mindful Monday Tip #6:
Mindfully wind down before bedtime. Lower the lights to induce your natural melatonin, calm your mind with a cup of herbal tea, read a book and focus on your breathing. Inhale for four seconds and exhale for six. A longer exhale will calm and relax your mind and your body.
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