Our Favorite Stress Buster
We wanted to share some thoughts on our favorite stress buster and one simple way to create more joy in your life!
It’s been said, “A well lived life is like driving a car. Every time you get in the car you have a destination, but instead of putting it on “auto-pilot”, you get to decide to make turns, go faster or slower, and you have to make minor adjustments along the way.”
Professionally, the most successful and experienced race car drivers have learned to slow their body and mind down and drive in the moment. The great one’s have learned to focus on the present…
…they are in tune with their body, their car, every turn along the road and they “feel every groove” off the road.
Similarly, we can learn to be focused, present and mindful as we live with better balance so we can determine how much we enjoy the ride.
So, this week, let’s focus on going out onto the track of life and learn how to live mindfully.
What is mindfulness? The dictionary definition of “Mindfulness” is “a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly, and non-judgmentally acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.”
Whew! That’s a mouthful! Bottom line, Mindfulness is being present on purpose.
It’s living with awareness in the present moment, while letting go of past or future worries. Bringing increased awareness to the present moment impacts our health in significant ways. In fact, research over the last two decades has discovered many benefits of practicing mindfulness, such as:
- Reducing stress
- Increasing ability to cope more effectively
- Decreasing anxiety, depression and emotional reactivity
- Increasing relational satisfaction
- Improved self-esteem
- Enhancing self-insight and intuition
- A more peaceful life
According to author and psychologist Marsha Lucas, PhD, performing short “bursts” of mindfulness throughout your day is better than one long session. She suggests selecting times throughout your day to be mindful...
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…when driving or in a carpool to work, focus on your surroundings. Pay attention to things you would normally ignore-for example, when at a stoplight, enjoy the sunrise, watch children laughing or playing…
…when you arrive at work, take a different route in to the building and enjoy saying hello to new people. Pay attention and appreciate the warmth of their smile, handshake or wave. When you eat lunch savor every bite and completely enjoy the company you are with.
The present moment can be filled with more joy and happiness when we slow down to notice it! If you are attentive you will see it and by doing so you will create a natural way to reduce daily stress and increase your joy. We hope you find joy in the small things this week!
