Microchill Out
Stress is a natural part of life, but finding ways to manage it and stay steady throughout the highs and lows can lessen the harmful effects.
Whether the stress comes from a physical threat or an emotional one, it triggers a threat response. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing increases. The wonderful thing about mindfulness is it activates our parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body relax, allowing you to think clearly and respond vs. react.
As with incorporating any new habit, starting small, sets you up for success. This article from Forbes suggests microchillers as short and simple activities to refresh your mind and activate that rest and digest response.
The Butterfly Hug- combines stretching and mindful awareness to activate your rest and digest response increasing your ability to think clearly.
Focusing on your Breath- A great foundational practice that you can do anytime and anywhere! Your breath is in the present. When you focus on your breath, you’re in the present.
Naming Sensations- My teacher would always say, “Lose your mind. Come to your senses.” Like the breath, your senses are in the present. When you bring your awareness to them, your mind in anchored in the now and not on auto-pilot.
Visit the article for the steps of each technique to find new ways to microchill out!