Mindfulness plays a valuable role in my well-being. I find it all too easy to settle into a daily routine that, while comforting in its consistency, can also be draining. Through simple mindful practices, I can take stock of my feelings and recalibrate. Mindfulness is defined as a type of meditation that focuses on being aware of what you’re feeling without judgment or interpretation.
Tips and Tricks
Simple exercises have had a profound effect on my well-being. From reducing stress to improving attention, these are some of the most helpful tools that I use:
Positive Talk – We all make mistakes. Taking time to accept and be kind to myself has helped me grow from my missteps.
Focusing on Breathing – In a busy world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Deep breathing helps me slow down and focus on my priorities.
Mental Pictures – During times of stress, imagining the positives in my life, whether it’s loved ones or things I’m looking forward to, helps me maintain perspective on what’s important to me.
Finding Focus
As we celebrate National Mental Health Awareness Month, OCLS offers some wonderful programs that are sure to spark your enthusiasm for mindfulness. Our yoga programs are a great opportunity to practice deep breathing habits and become aware of your body and surroundings. Simple poses can improve relaxation and reduce stress.
Art is also a great way to practice mindfulness. Coloring and crafting allow us to calm our minds by providing points of focus. Working with my hands helps me live in the moment because I’m actively focusing on what I’m doing and being present. Our Artful Relaxation program on Tuesday, May 20 at 4:30 p.m. at the Fairview Shores Branch is the perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness through art.
Origami is another activity that helps me with focus and relaxation. As a hands-on activity, it provides an opportunity to tune out distractions and focus on simple folds. The results are beautiful origami constructions that give me a sense of accomplishment and peace. I encourage you to join us for some of our origami programs.
Taking time to reflect and practice mindfulness has been a crucial aspect of my wellness journey, and OCLS offers several resources to support it. Our Mental Health for Everyone guide is a great option that curates literature on several wellness subjects. I found the Emotional Wellness Toolkit from the NIH to be particularly helpful. Also, explore items in our collection, such as Mindfulness for Beginners, to begin your mindfulness journey with OCLS.
Sean is a customer service associate at OCLS
