3 Ways to Have Mindful Moments – Anytime, Anywhere
1) Take Three Full Breaths
- First breath: Bring your full attention to breathing.
- Second breath: Relax the body. Drop your shoulders.
- Third breath: Ask yourself: What’s important right now?
Body Response: The breath is the life force and without it, our organs and bodily system could not survive. It’s so simple, yet intentional breathing supports a method to train the body’s reaction to stressful situations and lessen the production of harmful stress hormones.
2) Head, Body, Heart, Check-in
Take three full breaths, scanning one area of the body with each breath.
- First breath: Scan the head, representing thoughts.
- Second breath: Scan the body, representing emotions and sensations.
- Third breath: Scan the heart, representing values and intentions.
Body Response: With intentional awareness, gentleness, and kindness provided to the body in a time of challenge and adversity, we can access and achieve a sense of ease, relaxation, and calm.
3) Slow Down and S.T.O.P.
When you are in your head and need a moment to pause, stop thinking about whatever is in your current train of thought and redirect it in a healthy way.
- S: Stop what you are doing
- T: Take a breath
- O: Observe your surroundings
- P: Peacefully proceed
Body Response: This practice physically stops the body and mind in their tracks. It allows you to regain confidence in your experience and take a refreshing breath, engaging the parasympathetic nervous system.
Read the article on mindful.org.
Join VCU HR and VCU Dept of Recreation & Well-Being for two upcoming Guided Meditation sessions! See below for more details.
Wednesday, October 20th – 2 pm
Guided Meditation
(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Dept of Recreation & Well-Being)
In a time of chaos and uncertainty, our 30-minute guided meditation will provide a sense of calm, peace, and balance, while improving attention, focus, and ability to work through stressful circumstances.
Register: Talent@VCU
Wednesday, October 27th – 2 pm
Guided Meditation
(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Dept of Recreation & Well-Being)
In a time of chaos and uncertainty, our 30-minute guided meditation will provide a sense of calm, peace, and balance, while improving attention, focus, and ability to work through stressful circumstances.
Register: Talent@VCU