If you are like me, much of your day you are juggling many things at once. Often feeling behind, overwhelmed and destined to not get it all done. When we are operating from this state, our emotions may run high (irritability, frustration, etc.) and the Fight or Flight Stress Response is activated in our body. When our stress response is in a constant state of activation, our health is negatively affected.
You can positively impact your physical and mental well-being by taking a few moments to bring yourself into the present moment.
Present Moment Focused Awareness (one of the Pursuit of Balance Practices) is a process of slowing down and noticing what is right in front of you. One way to bring yourself into the present moment is to close your eyes and turn your attention to your breathing. Simply focusing on your inhalation (the rise of your chest) and your exhalation (the fall of your chest) with each breath. Do this for a few minutes and you will notice a greater sense of calm.
Another way to bring yourself into the present moment is to pause and look around you. What do you see? What do you hear? Notice the colors, shapes, sounds and sensations that are occurring right there, in that moment.
The practice of being in the Present Moment helps to regulate and calm the nervous system. You are invited to practice Present Moment Focused Awareness throughout your day as a new habit! Try it for a few days and see what you notice! I suspect you will experience greater focus and feel more calm. I hope you will give it a try!
By Jennifer Sanders, PCC, www.HeartInspiredLeader.com
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