How To Reconnect With Yourself In Stressful Times

Are you the one “running around like a chicken with its head cut off”? Then STOP and BREATH – “without a head” or rather an overloaded brain, we can’t think. Take more mindful moments. Our mind spends most of the time in the past or in the future and not in the present moment. We plan the future and ruminate about the past, but where connection and love happens is in the present moment. The present moment often does not get enough attention and time. We find ourselves planning the next weekend, or the next trip or discussing past events to learn and grow from them. This is important but we also have to pay attention to the present. We think that the right present moment will come – but then other things happen that we didn’t expect and we just rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic. But we are not on the Titanic, we are on the beautiful cruise ship of life and just need to take a break, sit on the lounge chair on the deck, and enjoy a present mindful moment.

Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Being aware of our surrounding environment, feeling what is there besides all the noise. When we are practicing mindfulness, our thoughts are in the present moment and not in past or in the future. We eliminate judgment of the thoughts by accepting them and embracing them.

Mindfulness has been shown to enhance the brain's prefrontal lobe area. In this area self-insight, morality, intuition, and fear modulation are formed. Being present-minded is the key to staying healthy and happy.

Mindfulness practice helps with

• Reducing rumination
• Stress reduction
• Boosts to working memory
• Increase focus
• Relationship satisfaction

Practice staying in the present moment:

1. Stop and focus on your breath. You may close your eyes. You may also put your hand on your heart and feel the movement and heartbeat.
2. Let go! Stop thinking about your performance.
3. Instead, notice your surroundings. Sound, smell, and sensation.
4. Embrace things as they are (not how you want them to be).
5. Feel the gratefulness for what you have now.
6. Make sure to take your time. It is a skill that needs to develop over time. If your mind is racing – let it go and then come back by focusing on your breath.

Other suggestions to develop the skill of mindfulness in the presence:

• Before you start do a brain dump. Write all of your worries, to-dos, or whatever is on your mind on a piece of paper.
• Practice mindfulness meditation (there are a few great apps – I like the app headspace- find the one that works for you).
• Address your worries. See a therapist or coach. In the NeuroHP 1x1 sessions, I coach my clients to overcome their worries. Contact me if you like to learn more.
• Spend time with people who make you feel happy and fulfilled.
• Practice gratefulness frequently.
• Avoid multitasking.
• Check-in with yourself and how you are feeling frequently.
• Practice breathing exercises. The NeuroHP Drill Library has a variety of breathing exercise videos to follow along.
• Think about the past in small doses. Focus on the past to learn and grow. To relive a pleasant experience, identify where you went wrong, or figure out the key to past success.
• Think about the future in small doses. Keep it simple.