Mindfulness Practice and Strategies
Mindfulness for Caregivers
Laurie Sparks-Dennison LISW-S presents on the benefits of mindfulness and strategies for practicing mindfulness as a caregiver.
Mindfulness Presentation Session 1
Ana McPeek, an occupational therapy student at The Ohio State University, presents on the benefits of mindfulness, leads mindfulness exercises, and shares resources.
Mindfulness Presentation Session 2
What is mindfulness, how can we practice it day to day, and how can it help us? Occupational therapist Dr. Ana McPeek OTD, OTR/L answers these questions and more. Strategies and practices are included throughout the presentation.
STOP tool
Breathing exercise
Breathing exercise
Try this 3-minute breathing technique called "Box Breathing" to calm anxiety and stress. Video by Headspace.
Grounding Exercise
Breathing exercise
Watch this 3-minute video that provides a grounding technique for a racing mind. Video by Headspace.
Daily Journaling Prompts
Daily Journaling Prompts
Journaling can be a very beneficial practice to support mental health. Visit this website to learn more about journaling and for free journaling prompts:
Seasonal Self-Care Ideas
Fall
- Read a book. When it’s wet and windy outside, nothing beats curling up under a blanket with a good book.
- Enjoy the changing colors and falling leaves. Take a walk outside, splash in the puddles and swish through the leaves on the ground. Make a note of how the leaves are changing as you pass by them!
- Light a scented candle. Bring a little warmth and cozy light to your home now that the days are getting shorter.
- Learn to say no. Don’t feel you have to say yes to every request, invitation or opportunity. Listen to your body and what it needs.
- Call a friend or loved one. A good chat with someone you love and trust does wonders for our mental health.
- Have a pajama day Why get dressed if you don’t have to? Watch your favorite movie or find a good book.
By Balance through Simplicity. Read Full article here: https://balancethroughsimplicity.com/30-self-care-ideas-for-autumn/
Winter
- Gratitude – Practice daily gratitude and appreciate all that you have in life, instead of constantly searching and wishing for what you don’t.
- Journal – Get your thoughts out of your head and down onto paper so you can see them clearly and take action where necessary
- 10 minutes to yourself – It may not be a long time but just having some quiet time to do what YOU want, instead of what others want you to do, can help you recharge your batteries.
- Bath and bubbles – Nothing beats a long soak in a warm bath with some lovely bath products to add a little touch of luxury!
- A hot cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate – Make yourself a hot drink and make time to actually sit and drink it whilst it’s still warm!
By Balance through Simplicity Read Full article here: https://balancethroughsimplicity.com/30-self-care-ideas-for-winter/
Spring
Spring
Spring
- Spring-clean your home – Give a little time to cleaning those areas which don’t normally get a look in. A detailed, deep clean of your home will freshen things up and make your home feel and look nicer.
- Plan your meals– Include plenty of spring vegetables, salads and fruit.
- Throw open the curtains and windows as much as possible – Let in the light and fresh air.
- Plan a day out – Now the weather is getting nicer, it’s easier to plan a trip out. Visit somewhere new, get a change of scene and give yourself something to look forward to!
- Take up gardening – Anything from mowing that grass and full-scale landscaping to planting a few herb seeds in flower pots to keep on your kitchen window sill.
- Reset your life – The changing seasons are a wonderful time to reset your life. Explore what’s working for you, anything that you’d like to change or develop and come up with a plan to make that happen.
By Balance through Simplicity Read Full article here: https://balancethroughsimplicity.com/30-self-care-ideas-for-spring/
Summer
Spring
Spring
- Ditch the couch and relax outdoors. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and something to read and set up camp on a shady patch of grass.
- Go for a stroll. A long walk can be a great way to clear your head and enjoy a warm summer afternoon. You can also grab a friend and get your exercise while catching up
- Start a garden or join a community garden. Gardening can be a nice way to meditate, enjoy the outdoors and get some sunshine. It can also serve as a bonding time with your family or a way to make new friends.
- Tidy one small space. Perhaps a drawer or the top of your desk – even having one space clean and free of clutter can help you feel calmer.
- Make a summer feel-good playlist. Bring on the summer tunes! Music can be an effortless way to improve your mood and motivate you to get moving. Bonus points for listening while exercising or cleaning.
- Have a picnic. Enjoying a meal outside can be an easy way to get some fresh air and sunshine and shake up your daily routine.
By Mental Health First Aid, 2018 https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/external/2018/07/15-activities-for-your-summer-self-care-checklist/