Autumn is definitely upon us! As the temperatures drop and the leaves begin to change, take some time to reflect upon changes you would like to make or are currently making in your own life. Just as seasons change, we are all constantly in flux as well. However, many changes won’t just happen on their own. You may need to make them a priority and devote some additional time and effort to make sure they don’t fall by the...
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Did you know that incorporating a mindfulness practice into your life can actually create changes in your brain? Recent research indicates that participation in an 8-week mindfulness program resulted in measurable changes to the hippocampus (important for learning and memory), amygdala (important for anxiety and stress), and other areas associated with self-awareness, introspection, and compassion. Not only can mindfulness help in your...
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If there is something weighing on your mind, it can be helpful to put it on paper. Consider keeping a journal, writing a letter to someone (that you may or may not send), or even authoring a story. Taking the time to write things down can provide a different, and often helpful, outlet for working through your thoughts. It isn’t necessarily about what you are writing, but rather the process of doing so. Keep in mind that no one ever has to...
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Challenge yourself to take some time away from technology. Choose an amount of time that will be difficult but not impossible for you (i.e., one meal/hour/afternoon/day/weekend). Consider including television, email, cell phone, internet, and anything else that may serve as an electronic distraction. Are you getting nervous just thinking about it? Have you already ruled it out as being too hard? We have become so used to and dependent upon...
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Despite what you may have been told in the past, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing to have your head in the clouds. If you find yourself needing a break, just look up (or out a window) and take a moment to focus solely on the clouds in the sky and nothing else. If other thoughts enter your mind, simply notice that and refocus on the clouds above. After about a minute or so, return to whatever it is you were doing. Was this difficult or easy...
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