Mindfulness and walking are highly beneficial to your mental health, especially when you do them routinely. Try combining them! Go on a walk. You can walk inside (yes, it still works) or outside, done alone, while walking the dog, or with another person. – just don’t have a conversation with the other person while doing … Continue reading Mindfulness Walk Activity
Some people love gardening, they love getting in the dirt, being outside, the cultivating, and the rewards. Our ancestors’ ancestors’ succeeded through working the land. That positive behavior and impact on our reward systems is there and ready to be used. Even for novice gardeners, gardening improves mental health. Research reflects that there’s a possible … Continue reading Gardening Improves Mental Health
This is a popular grounding technique for children to adults. This technique engages all 5 senses, which reminds you of the present moment, and builds awareness. This is a calming technique that can help you get through tough or stressful situations. Taking a deep belly breath at the beginning and end of this activity can … Continue reading MINDFULNESS 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 GROUNDING TECHNIQUE
People are under an increased amount of stress due to the ongoing 2020 coronavirus pandemic, which has no concrete ending. People who don’t have a mental illness disorder, such as anxiety, are also experiencing mental health vulnerabilities during this time. They report having issues like difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering things, sleep disturbance, and decreased mood. … Continue reading 4 Ways to Reduce Anxiety
What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is choosing to be aware of the present moment, on purpose, and in a non-judgmental way. When being mindful, our attention and focus is on whatever we choose to observe or do. In this moment, choose to focus your mind wherever you’d like it to be. Practice Maybe you focus on … Continue reading What is Mindfulness and How to be More Mindful? (DBT)
I lead a workshop for trail and ultra runners called The Power of Mindfulness in Trail Running. THE POWER IS WITHIN YOURSELF. The workshop is packed with high quality information on what mindfulness is, who it benefits, what the benefits are, practicing it at home, and using it for trail racing. The workshop is interactive; I provide a variety of mindfulness exercises and lead the group through a couple. The exercises are fun and relaxing. I receive positive feedback from participants and they discuss ways that they can apply the skills that I teach them.
Articles and resources on anxiety and how to manage it. Shannon works with Pennsylvania runner’s, athletes and people who want to incorporate exercise or movement into their lives. Helping people work through anxiety, trauma and eating disorders. We can also talk about the unique issues that athletes face.
When you feel stressed or anxious, have you been mindful of your breathing? Notice if you’re holding your breath, taking shallow breaths, or breathing too quickly. Take control of your breathing by trying a short breathing exercise Lay, sit, or stand comfortably, with good posture to allow yourself to breathe easily. If you’re laying or … Continue reading Mindful Breathing Exercise for When You’re Feeling Stressed and Anxious
Check out this list of supportive mental health rituals. Are you already doing any of these? If these are new to you, choose any two and begin to add them into your daily routine. While completing a ritual, take a mindfulness approach and practice being aware and non-judgmental in the present moment. Acknowledge and absorb … Continue reading Everyday Mental Health Rituals
Limit exposure Practice reframing thoughts Allow yourself to feel peace Limiting exposure to news and social media, reframing thoughts, and finding peace are 3 mindful ways to increase positivity, but there are other paths out there, as well. Participate in 2 to 3 mindful activities for a few weeks or a month to see what … Continue reading 3 Mindful Strategies to Increase Positivity During Hard Times
