With the complexities of daily life, relationships with loved ones and the difficulties that come from uncertain times, it’s easy to feel anxious, stressed or overwhelmed. Even when you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are ways to help you feel more at ease. Practicing mindfulness can work wonders for your mental and emotional health.
Here are Three Mindfulness Exercises You Can Try Right Now:
- Think of three things that made you happy throughout your day. It can be as simple as enjoying a delicious homemade meal, a conversation with a friend, a beautiful bird that perched near your window or doing a hobby you love. Write them down in a journal or share them with someone close.
- Close your eyes, and breathe in for 8 seconds, then hold your breath for 8 seconds and slowly exhale for 8 seconds. You can do 4, 6, 10 seconds, or whichever combination feels best for you.
- Stop what you are doing and become aware of your senses. Look around and name five things you can see. Then name four things you can hear, such as the sound of the dishwasher, people walking or your breathing. Next, name three things you can feel physically. This can be the clothes or jewelry on your body or the ground beneath your feet. Then, name two things you can smell such as food cooking, fresh laundry or the smell from your shampoo. Lastly, name one thing you can taste. It can be the food you just ate, the coffee or water you just drank or even your freshly brushed teeth.
Emely Ordonez is a nutrition and dietetics student at California State University, Northridge. Her professional interests include public policy, school nutrition services and plant-based nutrition.