Many things in life are out of our control. If today you are having a particularly challenging time managing distress about something unwanted, take a moment to listen to this guided meditation about mindfully being with an unwanted experience.
https://soundcloud.com/breathworks–mindfulness/being–with–an–unwanted–experience
Dancing does not get enough credit for all the positive effects it gives us. It is a form of physical exercise as well as a way to maintain one’s independence, literally. By being physically active via dancing, studies show a correlation between dancing and having reduced chances of being physically disabled and needing assistance when older (assistance in walking, getting dressed in the morning, and even bathing). There is also a mind-body connection that keeps our mind sharp through the stimulation of our cognitive processing when thinking and acting upon our movement with music. So, take a moment to dance whenever you can; a shimmy in your seat while in traffic or bust a move while doing household chores!
Sometimes when we are feeling low, it is harder for us to think of things to do to shake off that down feeling. So here is an article that lists a number of great ways to feel a sense of relief and reduce your suffering. Remember to use your mindfulness What and How skills with whichever you choose!
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/27-ways–instantly–feel–better.html
Did you know that there are two different types of stress? There is ‘distress’ and ‘eustress.’ Distress is the types of stress that comes about when an unwanted event occurs, such as losing your job, and eustress is the type of stress that comes along when the situation is positive and desirable, such as planning for a birthday or wedding. Chronic stress at the end of the day is hard on our bodies and mind. If it comes in little doses though, it can actually help us become more resilient and motivated in life. Read more about how a moderately stressful life can lead to a better life!
New Year’s Resolutions are notorious for not being followed through throughout the year. And now imagine being depressed and feeling it is even more impossible to achieve any goal set! Well, let us take off some of the pressure this year and instead set ourselves up for success while building mastery. This year let us revise our resolutions to small doable steps that take only small amounts of effort. This article shows a great list of possible goals we can set for ourselves, whether we pick only one or multiple! Happy New Year’s to you all and best wishes!
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/January-2018/Realistic-New-Year-s-Resolutions-Living-with-Depr
Let us roll into the New Year with a centered mind on the goals we are working to achieve in 2019. Sit or lay down comfortably and center yourself with this guided meditation on bringing calm mindfulness toward your hopes and desires.
If we could wave a magic wand to be happier, we would. And since we cannot, we must be proactive to bring the positivity to us. Much research is being done on how we can turn our frame of mind to become more positive and rather than pessimistic, and here are some tools recommended; and interesting enough, there are a lot of DBT skills within these tips such as turning the mind, distract, contributing, and carrying gratitude!
The holidays are here and our goal is always to NOT make things worse. Stock up on sanity savors, real in your expectations, and increase your mindfulness around your inner Grinch and meltdowns. Taking a moment to bring yourself to the here-and-now, and get through each moment at a time, one moment at a time, is all we can ask for.
https://tinybuddha.com/blog/7-strategies-stay-sane-holiday-season/
Photo Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Even celebrities are fallible and have room for change toward effectiveness. With any lifestyle, one that’s busy or of leisure, distressing emotions could come up and effect your day. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy has been shown to be helpful for many people with varying levels of care needed, and Selena Gomez has recently spoken out about going into DBT treatment herself. With one famous name at a time in the news headlines, we are hearing more about how okay it is to tend to our mental health.
https://www.refinery29.com/2017/03/145673/what-is-dialectical-behavior-therapy
