In our daily lives, we are constantly being pulled in different stress-causing directions. Work and family are often two main culprits, but other sources could include financial issues or and illness. Just taking five to ten minutes a day to sit quietly can make a big difference. Find a quiet place in your home that offers privacy. Perhaps one that lets in natural light.

Do you inhale your food instead of truly tasting it? You can slow down and truly experience your meal by using mindfulness meditation at mealtimes. For instance:

• Take one bite of food at a time.
•  Slowly chew your food.
• Be aware of how it tastes.
• Take note of the texture.
• By being more aware of your food, you can truly appreciate your meal.

Many of us just get through our day, unaware of the little details that make up our lives. Even in the office, a place where many of us spend so much of our lives, we may not be fully aware of our Rexburg surroundings. When taking a break, instead of staring at your computer, take a moment to sit back and observe what’s around. Don’t just look, use your sense of hearing and touch as well. Maybe you have always looked at wall, but didn’t notice the strokes of a paintbrush or the imperfections.

Use mindfulness meditation techniques, such as stretching or yoga, to become more observant of your body. You may not be aware of how stressed and tense different muscles are. This could also be contributing to your anxiety.

It’s amazing how to notice how easy it is to have so many conversations throughout any given day, but not really listen. Listening is an art in itself. Oftentimes we may be tempted to jump in while someone else is talking. We want to get across what we are thinking, yet are not listening to the other person.

Really! Smiling helps us to relax. Humor and laughter can be great antidotes for coping with the absurdity of life, and the stress that often comes with it. Also, when we smile, we tend to feel more open and accepting of other people and situations.

When we have more awareness we can have a better understanding of what causes anxiety, and take proactive steps that reduces the symptoms of anxiety.

“Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.”

-Jon Kabat-Zinn

“When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another – and ourselves.”

-Jack Kornfield

‘Wisdom says we are nothing. Love says we are everything. Between these two our life flows.”

-Jack Kornfield