Page 8 - Boca Exposure - May '24

Page 8, Boca Exposure
Healthy Answers – A Guide To Healthy Living:

‘Calm Your Monkey Mind!’

By Dale Brown, B.S., things happening in your personal life, you know how Start with the breath – Take a few moments to
M.A., C.E.C. Dale is a disturbing it is. It seems that our lives are so busy that we focus on your breath. Close your eyes if it helps, and pay
motivational speaker who forget to feel the moments that together make up a day. attention to the sensation of each inhale and exhale. This
has spent many years as a Time is lost amid the clutter of everyday and blurred by simple practice can help calm your mind and bring you
Certified Life Coach and has the activities we invent. into the present moment.
written numerous articles Most of us picture ourselves at the center of a circle Set boundaries – Learn to say “no” when you need
and e-books relating to overwhelmed with tasks, problems and responsibilities to. Prioritize your own well-being by setting boundaries
self-improvement and ways which are rushing in upon us. At every moment we have a around your time and energy. Remember that it’s okay to
to build a high-performance dozen different things to do and problems to solve. Think decline invitations or delegate tasks when you’re feeling
team. She is the author of back on the events in your life that you vividly remember. overwhelmed.
the book, “Small Steps... Even though years have passed you might be able to Engage in mindful activities – Incorporate mindfulness
Big Changes: The Personal describe your feelings and details of the experience. practices into your daily routine, such as mindful eating,
Stories of a Life Coach.” Her education and years of An example might be a memory that stands out, like mindful walking or body scan meditation. These practices
experience in physical fitness and training of elite athletes your first ski trip. How terrified you were taking your first can help you cultivate greater awareness and presence in
has enabled her to sharpen her knowledge in many health- chairlift up the mountain; then the relief you felt when your everyday life.
related areas. The following introduces a new approach you skied to the bottom! Living in the moment is easy Limit screen time – Set boundaries around your use of
to Brown’s series of columns devoted to many topics that during special times in your life because you are truly in technology, especially before bedtime. Create designated
deal with the mind/body connection and the importance the moment when it’s happening. times when you unplug from devices and engage in
of living a healthy lifestyle. Dale, a Bocaire resident, can Imagine that there is an hourglass on your desk activities that promote relaxation, such as reading,
be reached at dalebrown@lovingmondays.com. allowing only one grain of sand to pass through it at a spending time with loved ones or practicing a hobby.
I can’t count the times I’ve said to my husband, “Stop time. This is the true picture of life, even on a super busy Be non-judgmental – Instead of reacting automatically
creating your own reality.” Either he’s contemplating why day. Time is ticking away without you even being aware to your inner dialogue, observe your thoughts and feelings
he should have done things differently yesterday, or even that the grains of sand are falling one by one. How do with curiosity and compassion.
several weeks ago. He also has the habit of predicting the you slow down and hit the pause button? Take mindful breaks – Intentionally schedule breaks
worst before the event or situation even happens. This is The answer is to develop a state of mindfulness throughout your day to rest and recharge. Even just a few
a perfect example of someone “not living in the present.” that focuses your awareness on the present moment. It minutes of quiet time can make a big difference in how
There are many examples I have heard from clients encourages the acceptance of your thoughts, feelings and you feel. Use this time to take a short walk, meditate, or
who confess they never get half the things done they surroundings rather than dwelling on the past or worrying simply sit and enjoy a cup of tea.
planned to do. Most of the time they get sidetracked, or about the future. Mindfulness involves being with your Practice gratitude – Take a moment each day to
as my husband often says, “I must have been distracted!” thoughts as they are, neither grasping at them nor pushing reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Cultivating a
When we’re at work, we fantasize about being on them away. Instead of letting your life go by without living gratitude practice can help shift your focus away from
vacation; on vacation, we worry about the work piling it, you awaken to the experience. stressors and towards the positive aspects of your life.
up on our desks. We dwell on intrusive memories of the Although mindfulness practices have their roots in Remember that slowing down and hitting the pause
past or fret about what may or may not happen in the Buddhist meditation techniques, mindfulness has gained button is not selfish; it’s essential for your overall well-
future. We don’t appreciate the living present because popularity in Western psychology and medicine. It has being. By cultivating mindfulness in your daily life you
our “monkey minds,” as Buddhists call them, vault from been found to be used as a tool for reducing stress, will learn to experience a deeper sense of fulfillment,
thought to thought like monkeys swinging from tree to improving mental health and enhancing overall quality meaning and joy in everything you do.
tree. of life.
If you have ever found yourself at home thinking about There are many paths to mindfulness. Here are a few
what you need to do at work, or at work thinking about tricks to guide you along.

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