May is Mental Health Month, an excellent time to practice “mindfulness,” which simply means being more present and aware of our thoughts and surroundings in each moment. Which mindfulness activity will you try today?
1. The Name Game
This “game” helps ground you in the moment. It increases awareness of your body and environment. Here’s how to play:
- Look at your surroundings
- Name three things you hear
- Name two things you see
- Name one sensation you feel
2. Slow-it Down Challenge
This practice is about slowing down and appreciating the moment. Oftentimes, we are too busy even to enjoy the food we eat. Try it out:
- Grab a singular food item (a single strawberry, piece of candy, slice of apple, etc.)
- Eat it as slow as you can, noticing the smell, texture, taste, etc.
3. Deep Breathing Exercise
Taking deep breaths is a great way to relieve stress. It relaxes your nervous system and helps you re-center. Use this cadence:
- Breathe in for four seconds
- Hold for four seconds
- Breathe out for five seconds
- Repeat 5 times
4. Gratitude Journaling
When you aren’t having the best day, it can help to go back and reread all of the things that have made you grateful. It’s easy to start your daily journaling practice:
- Grab piece of paper or journal
- Get into a comfortable position
- Write down 5 things that make you grateful
5. Stillness Exercise
Meditating can be a scary idea, but it can really be very simple. Take as much time as you need to simply be! The process is simple:
- Follow your breath, look at an image, or repeat a mantra
- Continue this for a minute or two
- Try your best to keep still
Choosing Love Over Hate
Everyday is another opportunity to put more love into the world. The mission of the LOVE>hate Project is committed to helping people along that journey, with the ultimate goal of ending male on female violence. Take our pledge to show your commitment to spreading love and ending violence.
