Mental Moments for Mom
December 1, 2024
Had a rough day or week? Try this meditation for moms….or anyone who is interested.
How many times this week have you caught yourself thinking, “I wish I had more time.”
As kids we just want slightly more time to play. As adults we just want slightly longer weekends. As seniors we just want more time with our family and friends.
It is arguably the most important currency. In fact, in the age of technology everything is grabbing for our attention. Phone messages, social media, commercials, billboards. How do you manage it all?
Finally, when multiple commitments intersect at one time, we get flustered and just freeze – unable to make the next move. Or we blow through our tasks less thoughtfully than we had planned. Did you know that when we are stressed, we are twice as likely to embark on an unhealthy habit (such as sedentary behavior or unhealthy eating) than a healthy one?
It might seem odd and counterintuitive at first. Take more mindful breaks. By “more” I mean both in quantity and quality.
It’s important to analyze the way you currently “break.” Each time you sit, take notice of what you do next. Do you pull out your phone? Take notice of what you do next. Make a list of the activities and apps and how much time you are spending on each. A tip to get true amounts of time is to check the ‘Settings’ on your phone. Our phones report the time we spend on each app.
The reality is that the technology behind the distracting activities are very effective at capturing our attention. The phone apps and amazing content on TV are here to stay. Those phone games are so addictive, and you’ve spent so much time racking up high-scores and bragging rights. But are you proud of these scores? Who are you bragging to about the scores?
So let’s try something different for the next three days. Start small. Prepare in advance for your breaks. By planning our breaks we can pre-set the length of the break and the activities we will engage in. Allow for missed opportunities. Life happens and you can’t anticipate everything, so it’s ok if you miss a few breaks.
Evaluate how you did after the first day. What can you change anything for the next two days?
Try mediation – the art of mindfulness as a means of being unconditionally present. Meditation is often used to evoke relaxation, stress-reduction, and detachment from distractions. Perfect for our breaks!
First, try sitting quietly in a calm place with your eyes closed. Focus and observe what is occurring in your body and your mind. You may find your mind wandering to today’s events or your to-do checklist – and that is ok. Without judgement, walk your mind back to your breathing. Focusing on breathing in and out. That is one of the most used methods to help re-focus on a singular thing.
The practice of meditation becomes easier over time. It’s a great practice for kids, too. Plus, it is a wonderful way to begin your mindful breaks.
Break the bad break cycle before you break.
Learn more about all the benefits of meditation from an expert. Contact us to find a Fitness Provider near you to practice your meditation.
Had a rough day or week? Try this meditation for moms….or anyone who is interested.
Centering your breath is an important practice that can help you reduce stress, improve your focus, and increase your overall sense of well-being. Here are 3 tips to help you center your breath:
Have you caught a coworker or friend saying, “I’m tired!”
Or has your gym buddy recently said to you, “I’m so sore!”
Or have you caught yourself saying in the morning, “I can’t get up, I’m so exhausted!”
I started thinking, why do we say these ‘weakness phrases’ out loud? Are we seeking pity? Or recognition that we accomplished something?
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