Shifting into the Spring Mindset

As we settle into the Spring season, we often engage in “spring cleaning” and the spirit of “renewal.” This is a time where we declutter our homes and rid ourselves of excess baggage. Nature around us takes a similar effect with the warming of temperatures and the birth of new life.

Take the concept of Spring cleaning your home into your mind and body!

At The Mind Spa, we are taking Spring Cleaning a step further. Studies have shown that individuals who take the time to clean and organize their physical spaces are also more inclined to take charge of their general health. 

“When your room is clean and uncluttered, you have no choice but to examine your inner state.”

Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

How can I get started?

Start Small

Not ready to clean out the entire garage? Even small activities like cleaning off your desk can provide stress relief. Pick a few small tasks to begin with and go from there. As you get started, you can start to check items off your list and build the momentum you need to tackle the rest!

Engage with Mindful Activities (i.e., Walking and/or Eating)

One helpful way to refresh your mind is through practicing simple mindful activities. This could look like taking a brisk walk without your cell phone or giving yourself space to have a meal with no distractions.

As you connect to the present moment, take this time to become more aware of how our daily activities affect our mental and physical health.

Remember to Breathe

Whether you’re dusting off the cobwebs from your bookshelf or letting go of past tensions, don’t forget to breathe! Breathing can clear your mind and allow you to focus. Often, taking 1 minute to breathe slowly can give you the boost you need to tackle your next activity.

Add something new to your routine

When it comes to mental spring cleaning, incorporating new activities into your life is necessary! Whether it is taking a bath, taking the time to read a book before bed, or eating a meal with family or friends, incorporating new activities throughout your week can free up your mind while adding excitement to your daily life.

Message from Dr. Mason

“As we look forward to Spring, don’t forget to take account of all the hard work you do each day. Even when you are working hard and getting a lot done, it’s important to remember to pause and give yourself the space to appreciate your growth.

5 Tips to Help You Incorporate Mindfulness into Your Life

You may have heard about the practice of mindfulness. Research-based evidence shows that adopting a lifelong mindfulness practice can decrease stress, improve your immune system and overall well-being. Over time, this practice also has beneficial psychological effects, as patients describe feeling an improved sense of connection to themselves and the world around them.

When it comes to mindfulness (a practice that can bring so many great benefits), it is important to remember that it is not a quick fix!

     Mindfulness is a lifelong practice that takes patience and determination. When you do become mindful of your everyday activities, the experience can be gratifying.

So, if you ask yourself, “How can I be more mindful?” here are 5 easy tips that you can use starting today to help you incorporate mindfulness into your life. 

1. Practice mindfulness when you are feeling good

Don’t wait until you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Often, people wait until a moment of crisis to meditate, reflect, or “be in the moment,” but these can be the most challenging times to find the focus you need!  

2. Start with Baby Steps

Pick one or 2 activities to begin your mindfulness journey. For example, you can start your day with a five-minute breathing exercise or perhaps give your full attention to 1 action a day. This activity might be a meal or taking your child to school. The important thing is to give yourself a chance to be in the moment.

3. Remember that mindfulness is not easy

Treat mindfulness like learning a new skill. Give yourself the time to practice and the patience to learn how mindfulness fits into your life. With constant access to information via our smartphones, it is easy to be distracted! So, if you find yourself becoming distracted easily, be patient with yourself and practice refocusing your energy.  

4. Mindfulness is a long-term strategy

One of the goals of practicing mindfulness is to learn how to listen to your thoughts. And sometimes you won’t love what you hear! As you start or continue your journey of becoming more mindful, remember that it is a long-term goal. As you become more in tune with your thoughts, you can practice new ways to deal with them before letting them build up and come out at less-than-ideal-moments.

5. Work with a licensed psychologist 

Becoming your best self and working through your issues is hard work. Do not be afraid to ask for help. A licensed psychologist can help you understand different ways to incorporate mindfulness into your life in a healthy manner. A psychologist can also recommend specific activities for you to help you on your path to mindfulness.