In the last tip, I talked about becoming present. It incorporates both a healthy mind with a healthy body while letting go of worrisome thoughts. To be present with yourself and to give your presence and complete attention to those around you will not only benefit your relationships but will also recenter your mind and soul. In this blog series, I have prepared some of my favourite ‘survival tips‘ for you and your family to have a happy healthy New Year and make lasting changes.
Next up, making mindful moments and incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine will make for a calm, cool and collected 2017.
Tip #5: Incorporate Mindfulness in your Daily Routine
What does it mean to be mindful?
To be mindful is to be fully aware and conscious of your current state like paying attention to your thoughts, feelings and state of being at the present moment. Mindfulness is one of the greatest tools to build better food habits and reduce stress.
One of my goals is to make time for myself and allow for a clear and conscientious space to be mindful. That could be later in the evening or first thing in the morning; at a time when no other disruptions are to interrupt my “me time.” Thinking of opportunities that will actually make me happy without the contribution of others is what I aim to do. Structure and routine might be hard to accomplish for yourself, so doing one thing well and consistently might be the first step to ultimate success.
How to do it:
- Journaling your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to alleviate stress. Moreover, it allows you to practice mindfulness by acknowledging how you’re feeling at the present moment. No time to journal? No problem, make ‘mindful moments’ by acknowledging what is happening in a present moment. For example, recognizing the environment that you’re in (e.g. sounds, smells, sights), tuning into your current thoughts (what am I thinking about?) and how you’re feeling about yourself and others.
- Practice mindful eating by chewing food slowly, taking time to breathe between each bite and putting the fork down periodically for a mini break. Smelling and tasting each aspect of the food is another way to practice eating mindfully.
- Schedule ten minute mini-breaks throughout the day to take time for yourself. Become centered and do some deep breathing to reduce stress.
- Aim to eat dinner as a family and go to bed early for a good night’s sleep whenever possible.
In the next tip…I will discuss the importance of getting your kids into the kitchen! Teaching children valuable cooking skills will help them to gain a positive relationship with food and learn to be autonomous. Stay tuned for later this week!
Do you need help with your nutrition goals?
Whether it’s to figure them out, organize them, prioritize them or come up with a plan to achieve them, I can help! Book a free consultation with me and we can talk it out. I only have 6 slots available every week, so book yours, today!
