Practice “box breathing”
If I notice that you are feeling a little anxious or a bit stressed, try box breathing: four counts on the inhalation through your nose, hold for four, four counts on the exhalation through your mouth, and then again hold for four, and repeat. This breathing technique stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which entices our body’s relaxation response.
Set boundaries with your phone
Spending too much time on social media can easily become bad for your mental health. One of the easiest ways to stay resilient, besides turning it off, is to block out time on your calendar and sticking to it. Doing this simple step not only protects your mental health, but it’s also empowering.
Start your day with an affirmation
Do a morning meditation of affirmations setting your intention for the day. Remind yourself that you choose your thoughts and that you choose them from a place of love. Tell yourself that you are worthy, abundant, capable, beautiful, kind, loved, strong and brave.
Take a moment for gratitude
When you wake up recite up to five things you are grateful for. The things can be big or small. Then, stretch and practice meditation for a few minutes.
Give yourself a slow morning
Start your day as gently as possible, relaxed, allowing yourself a few moments to fully wake up. You don’t have to do or think about anything else until you’ve had your morning breakfast. No matter what else is going on, allow yourself this mental mini-vacation.
Take a few minutes to meditate
Meditating regularly helps to reset in stressful moments. Every day, maybe after you have finish breakfast, sit and meditate. It helps you to start the day from a place of ease where I feel calmer and more focused.
Pause and listen
Try listening to yourself first before doing anything else. Listened to what your brain and body are saying.
Celebrate your small wins
Take three deep breaths as you think of three things that you are grateful for.
Take regular breaks to reset
Mental health is also about self-compassion and taking mental breaks. Take time with what you need to do, be kind to yourself in the process, and take a short reset break every sixty minutes.
Keep a gratitude journal
Every day, in a journal, express in writing the things for which you are most grateful for in that moment. The shift in perspective has a transformative power on stress that can make you feel emotionally, mentally and physically healthier.
Hug a horse, dog or whatever furry friend you have regularly.
All the best,
Dean
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