KindMindbyDana

It's common to discuss the positive feelings that breaks and holidays bring, but today, I want to delve into a different aspect. The anxiety or stress that might arise during these times. It is important to ensure a smooth transition from our busy schedules and deadlines to family and social events, savoring the joy of waking up without an alarm (which is my favorite part) ! I personally find it very helpful to set plans early and manage expectations, particularly when it comes to special events. While embracing the beauty of spontaneous moments and going with the flow is wonderful, having an initial plan or setup is crucial. Follow the simple yet effective steps to ensure a good transition plan. This does not only make you feel better but also lets you enjoy the holiday season with a relaxed and refreshed mind! (Who would say no to this?🧐) 1. Transition smoothly and wrap-up pending work, delegate responsibilities. 2. List your triggers and how to deal with them as they could be...

 Many ask, 'What is mindfulness, really?'  It's not just about 10 minutes of meditation. 🌞The beauty of mindfulness?  It's a lifestyle, not just a morning ritual. It's a choice in every action. 🔹 How? - Whether brushing teeth, driving, or sipping coffee, every moment holds a chance to be mindful. - In conversations, listen actively. Observe expressions and emotions- passion, pain, interest, or boredom. - Handling conflict mindfully means sitting with your feelings, approaching it with kindness, not avoidance. - Had a chat about a tough manager at work. Instead of validating, I asked, 'Could they be going through a tough time? 🔹Shifting our perspective, even by a 1%, to acknowledge the alternative side in a challenging scenario is an act of mindfulness and kindness.  This realization comes from my 8-week MBSR course .  And I am excited and committed to ensuring these learnings inform the way I present myself every day!🧘‍♂️🙌 Take home message:   So, how ...

Part 1: Midway Through the MBSR Journey Embarking on an 8-week adventure with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been eye-opening.  Led by the mindfulness expert, Hashim Hashim , MBSR was all about learning to be present in the moment, finding resilience in the face of stress, and navigating life with a clearer mind and powerful tools. Half way through the course, in our fourth session, we delved deeper into self-care and engaged in intentional experiential exercises. Reflecting on stress and its cognitive and physiological symptoms, the session fostered a sense of engagement and attunement to our well-being. Here's a snapshot of what I've learned in these initial 4 weeks: 🌟  Learnings from the First 4 Weeks: Successfully incorporated daily meditation into my routine. Became mindful of thoughts and feelings as they arise. Identified and broke free from autopilot mode. Initiated a gratitude journaling practice. Started journaling my unpleasant experiences. Engaged i...

As we get closer to the new year and think about how we want 2024, I've been reflecting on what I truly hope for in the coming year. 🧘‍♂️The first thing that comes to my mind is: a regulated nervous system. As simple as it may sound, a regulated nervous system is truly a gift, as it: allows us to feel safe nurtures healthy relationships fosters a positive perspective ensures peaceful sleep 🍼The journey of soothing our nervous system starts in infancy. Imagine a crying baby held close by a caring mother or a child learning to channel and label their emotions instead of suppressing or acting out in aggression. These experiences instill a sense of being seen, loved, appreciated, and secure. Nervous system regulation involves many physiological responses that reduce arousal and increase calmness during distress. 🌨️Trauma, stress, neglect, and other adversities can disrupt this developmental process, leading to a dysregulated nervous system. In such a dysregulated state, the balance ...

Do you feel that your mood changes when it gets gloomy outside? It is real, the weather affects our mood. It is usually due to the decrease of sunlight, spending more time indoors and the days getting shorter.. Psychologists describe one form of depression as Seasonal Affective Disorder - as it generally begins when the fall season starts and light diminishes.  SAD worsens in the winter and occurs again the same time annually. 🌞As if that's not enough, excessive heat can also influence our behavior! I read an article the other day stating that people are more likely to become irritable, aggressive, or even violent in extreme heat. We cannot change the weather, but we can definitely understand its impact on our mental health and try to  take steps to manage its influence on our mood and well-being. Now, let's explore three tips to help cope with these mood shifts: - Embrace Natural Light:   Even on gloomy days, try to spend some time outdoors to soak in whatever natural l...

People think they know what they value, but reality can be different. If you are often confused about this, try to shift perspective by turning values into adjectives, NOT nouns. 💸For example, you may think 'I value money.' Money is a thing, not a quality. Ask yourself: What would you do with your money, knowing it might not be fully achieved, yet it matters? Knowing it's something you might not share with others, but you would still do it anyway? Values guide actions and inspire a journey of 'going' rather than fixating on reaching a destination. Living by our values provides a compass for life's journey. The truth is, you won't reach a destination. It's a journey without an end, and that's great! You might be wondering: ‘What’s the point then?’ The essence lies in its ongoing process. The real outcome is found in continuous acts of valuing, loving, and alleviating suffering. What really counts, is the direction. Values-based journey is about  goin...