Mindfulness And Mental Wellness

Mindfulness, mental wellness, resetting mental wellness, mindfulness practices, mental health strategies, holistic therapies, art therapy

We are now entering Week 3 of our Fall Into Wellness Health Reset! If you are joining us, in Week 1, we covered nourishment, and in Week 2, we focused on incorporating movement into our daily lives. Your mood, stress, sleep, and hormones are all interconnected, so taking small steps to improve one area can help improve other areas as well. This week, we shift our attention to resetting mental wellness through mindfulness practices and mental health strategies.

By incorporating meditation, journaling, and stress-reduction techniques into your day, you can optimize your emotional well-being and find ways to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience, not only improving your mental well-being but improving your physical health as well

Mindfulness Matters

In a world where an immediate response is often expected, how do we disconnect ourselves from the fast pace of everyday life?

In a sense, mindfulness is the art of slow living – and it is more than needed in our society. It’s easy to forget that we need to reset the expectations we put on ourselves. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can help reduce stress, improve focus, regulate emotions, and enhance a sense of calm. Embracing mindfulness can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Being Mindful Everyday

  • Meditation: It’s simpler than you think. Start with a few minutes, finding a quiet space to begin or end your day. Sit with your feet on the floor and your back supported. Begin by noticing your breath – inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Feel your diaphragm expand and contract. Allow your thoughts to move through your mind like passing clouds. Learn How to Meditate with this book by Pema Chödrön.
  • Breathing: When you notice your thoughts or feelings are out of balance, take slow, deep breaths, paying attention to the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body. Notice how the air in your lungs fills your body with each inhale and empties with the exhale—practice techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing.
  • Nourishment: Practice mindfulness when eating by savoring each bite and paying attention to the flavors, textures, and aromas. Nourish your body with foods found in season and local to you. Food can help connect your mind and body by giving it a sense of place and time. Can you think of one food that brings back memories?
  • Movement: Find movement that allows you to use each of your senses. One way is to connect with nature, for instance, by walking in a green area and noticing the colors, smells and sounds. Touch the ground with your hands or bare feet. Spend a minute in the garden tasting the last vegetable harvest of the year. Nature can have a calming and therapeutic effect on the mind and body. Try a local state park for a quick way to reset your body and mind in nature.
  • Journaling: Journaling is a powerful tool for self-expression and emotional release. Morning Pages help clear your subconscious thoughts at the beginning of the day, and Gratitude Journaling at night can help you end positively. Journaling is a way to process emotions, identify patterns, and gain clarity.

Seeking Professional Support

Sometimes, a mental health reset requires more than just mindfulness. If you notice that you’re struggling with significant mental health challenges that persist beyond your efforts to cultivate calm, remember that professional help is always available. A holistic therapist or counselor can provide valuable guidance and support, ensuring you’re never alone on your journey toward optimal health.

One holistic technique we offer at CNMA is art therapy. Art therapy offers a unique approach to mental health, using the therapeutic power of art to foster self-awareness, manage stress, and improve overall well-being. Expressive arts therapy, , guided by Tonja Graves, can be especially beneficial for those who find it difficult to express themselves verbally. Through the creative process, clients can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and gain valuable insights into their lives.

Tonja specializes in working with women and children and supports clients throughout the Colorado Front Range, Please schedule an appointment with Tonja Graves here.

Buddhist psychology is another therapeutic modality offered at CNMA. According to holistic counselor Rachel Gordon, “Combining Buddhist philosophy, including techniques such as mindfulness, yoga and meditation, with traditional counseling (“talk therapy”), I help clients learn how to quiet the mind, become present in their lives and awaken to the deep sense of inner peace, calm and stillness inherent in, and always available to, each and every one of us.”

By prioritizing mindfulness and mental wellness, you’re investing in your long-term health and happiness. New patients can schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Rachel Gordon, MA, MEd, to learn how holistic mental health care can reset their well-being. This consultation is an opportunity to discuss your concerns and goals and understand how Rachel’s approach can help you. Call 303-688-6698 to schedule or book online.

Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture offers functional medicine, a patient-centered approach that addresses the root cause of disease and promotes optimal wellness. We use a holistic approach that considers your mind and body. We are conveniently located in Castle Rock, CO and serve both the Denver and Colorado Springs area.

Posted in blog, Holistic Medicine, mental health, Mindfulness, Therapy Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

11 − 9 =