6 Simple Ways You Can Practice a Mindful Monday

Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, being present, cultivating positivity, and showing kindness, are great tools for stress management that are easy to implement and suitable for almost any situation. Incorporating these practices into your weekly routine can help you minimize stress and stay focused on beneficial healthy behaviors that may reduce the onset of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

So, if you ever find yourself sitting, standing, waiting, or walking from one place to another, you can easily squeeze in a mindful moment. All you need is a few minutes, the right mindset, and a couple of tips and techniques. Here are a few ideas for how to fit mindfulness into your daily routine:

Showering: Get lost in the sound and steam. Let the pitter-patter of the water soothe your mind.

Getting Dressed: Take in the textures and colors of your clothing. Pay attention to how they feel on your skin.

Bed Making: Notice how the sheets feel against your fingertips as you smooth out the wrinkles.

Eating: Appreciate the aroma of your food, and revel in the flavor and texture of each bite.

Listening: Close your eyes and focus on the sounds around you. Pick a specific noise and follow it.

Hand-Washing: Be aware of the warm water as it flows over your hands, and let the fragrance of the soap take you away.

Mindfulness is a practice for a reason – the only way to do it correctly is to do it as often as you can until it feels like second nature. Use this Monday to start a practice that you can do every day of the week. You’ll set a positive tone for this week and by next Mindful Monday, you’ll have a great tool for escaping stress!