Aloe Bud

Mindfulness is the practice of becoming more in control of your mind instead of allowing your mind to be in control of you. It is the art of being fully focused on the experience in the present moment. Mindfulness

helps us quiet the mind, calm the body and soothe the spirit.

What to do:

Observe – Notice your experience without adding or subtracting to it. Simply use your senses to gather information. What is seen, heard, smelled, tastes and touched? Note our feelings, thoughts, behaviors, situation and environment. Direct your attention.

Describe – Outline the details of your observations with words.

Participate – Get lost in an activity and fully engage in it. Be in the experience. Practice skills until they are a part of what you do

How to do it:

One-mindfully – Focus on only one thing at a time. Pay complete attention to the moment and step away from distractions.

Non-judgmentally – Do not label things as good or bad, simply accept what it is and stick to the facts.

Effectively – Do what works best based on the situation, not what you prefer to do. Stay connected with your goals and values. Train yourself to be responsive to experience instead of reactive.

Examples of daily mindfulness activities:

Focus on and enjoying the sensations of your food or drink such as a piece of candy or cup of coffee.

Listening to your favorite song and paying attention to the different instruments, lyrics and other things you may not have noticed before.

Paying attention to your breath coming in and out during deep breathing.

Anyplace, anywhere, pause and observe and describe 10 details you would not have otherwise noticed.

Watch your favorite TV show paying attention to the small details like what characters are wearing and how the sets are designed.

Do a chore or task such as washing the dishes or folding laundry with all of your attention and care.

Healthy lifestyles and wellness

Do’S:

• @Eat wholesome foods
• Exercise regularly
• Get plenty of sleep
• Drink 8 glasses of water daily
• Embrace your talents/strengths
• Utilize your supports
• Strengthen your spirituality
• Nurture yourself
• Engage in social activities
• Structure your time
• Ask for help when needed
• Participate in your community
• Join a support group

Don’ts:

• Stop growing
• Miss doctor appointments
• Isolate yourself
• Neglect your self-care
• Miss therapy appointments
• Over eat or under eat
• Let your stressors build up
• Be overly critical of yourself
• Miss your medications
• Use unhealthy substances
• Disrespect your body and mind
• Self-harm
• Stop caring about others