Mindful Minutes

Dear September, 

       This is the one where I tell you about taking mindful minutes. Last week I was walking through my university campus, when I noticed a girl doing some sort of martial art by herself in the park. She was just there, focused, and finding her own peace, in the midst of the craziness all around her. It made me stop and reflect and see the importance of taking a few mindful minutes to yourself as often as you can. 

       Mindful minutes are moments where you consciously focus on yourself and your wellbeing and nothing else. Note that this is not a time when you sit and check social media. This is a time to de-clutter and reset your mind. Being that this concept is somewhat foreign to me, I assume it is somewhat foreign to some of you as well. Therefore, I have taken it upon myself to suggest some ideas for what you can do during these moments...

One. 

Tidy your area

        Whether this is your bedroom or your entire living space, doing some sort of tidying up can help a great deal. A clean and tidy environment allows for a clean and tidy mind. First, it allows you to step away from the situation that is causing you to stress, and as we all know by now, perspective is everything. Second, it allows you to start feeling less overwhelmed. It may not deal directly with the issue but it will put your mind in a better position to deal with the situation.

Two.

Make a list

       There's something about making a list that is almost therapeutic. The magic isn't necessarily in following through on every single thing you put on the list; but just making the list can help you feel like you are capable of getting those things done and there is no need to feel anxious or overwhelmed. Sometimes you feel like you have so much on your plate and it takes a list to let you know that you can do all that you set out to.

Three.

Listen to your favourite song or album

        I am a big music lover, have always been, will always be. I like everything from McFly to Solange, Bob Marley to Chance the rapper, Gwen Stefani to Maroon 5. Music just has a way of making me feel relaxed when I get really stressed. Music also inspires me a lot to write, whether I agree with the singer’s perspective or not. I recently listened to Solange's new album and it is everything. Sometimes all it takes is one song to make you feel like you're not alone and there are other people in the world who feel exactly the way you feel in that moment. Feeling overwhelmed can quickly lead to feeling weak or less than and hearing someone say that they have struggled or are struggling with the same thing, can instantly brings some sort of comfort. Also, hearing someone be proud of what makes you feel uncomfortable can change your perspective and cause you to find beauty in what you think are your flaws.

Four.

Take a long bath

        I am a shower kind of girl but I hear a long bath works wonders. Plus there's aromatherapy that's scientifically proven to help with stress. There are also these pretty bath bombs that could serve as a good distraction. Even if you have to take some of the work home, taking a long bath can help you feel much more relaxed and able to get that work done. Because let’s be honest, sometimes the only thing that helps you to not feel as stressed is actually getting the work done. 

Five.

Take a long walk

        There's nothing like a long walk to help clear your mind. Long walks help you put things in perspective. Long walks allow you enough time to gather your thoughts and become less overwhelmed. It actually does not need to be a hundred miles, the important thing is to get away from what is making you stressed for a moment.  A walk also allows you to look close enough and realize that no one is perfect and no one has a perfect life. Everyone is just working to make sure they have more good days than bad days and that is what you should do too. We put so much pressure on ourselves not necessarily to be perfect, because most people realize early on that this is impossible but at least to look perfect. And we spend so much time doing patchwork and trying to hide our pain that when we finally deal with our issues, we feel overwhelmed and alone. Take one day at a time because there is a reason that this is all we are giving at once.

Six.

Listen to a podcast

         In case you are like me and nature is really not your scene. Podcasts are great for hearing other people's stories that you can relate to. They help you realize that you have more strength than you think and you are capable of pushing through the fear and suffocation you currently feel. The only thing is that, you are not allowed to look at social media or anything else while you are listening because that will defeat the whole purpose of the activity.

Seven.

Light a candle

         I work, volunteer and go to school and I'm involved with an organization in school and I blog. I also live in the middle of a city, in a condo, where I feel like everyone is just as swept up in their own lives. So as much I love it and I do, it can be a little much sometimes. Sometimes I'll light a couple of candles around my apartment and it totally changes the vibe and I feel extremely peaceful. It allows you find your own peace in the middle of everyone else’s chaos.

Eight.

Watch an episode of your favourite show

      Ok, I should say that I feel like this only works if you are into comedy or romance or light-hearted genres like me. If you're into sci-fi or vampires or action, maybe this one isn't for you, light a candle or something. A good laugh can really help when you're feeling stressed and you want to relax. I found this comedy show on Netflix called "Ali Wong: Baby Cobra" and it was witty and honest and so incredible, I strongly recommend it. I'm so tempted to give you a few spoilers but I won't... but trust me, find it. You can tell how excited I got with how many 'buts' are in that sentence.

Nine.

Call your person.

       Your person is the one you know will always be in your corner. The one who knows all your secrets, and flaws, and how crazy you are, but loves you and is there for you anyway. Your person knows the person they need to be for you, in every given situation. Whether to be the person that listens to you rant and sulk and self-pity or the person that gives you tough love. My person is my little sister, find you a person if you don’t have one.

Ten.

Place your hand on your heart.

         Sometimes all you need is you. Sometimes all you need is to remind yourself that you are strong and capable of dealing with whatever life throws at you. Placing your hand on your heart is a way to let your heart beat be a reminder that although life is overwhelming and difficult right now, you are still here and that's what is most important. Sometimes, you need to be your own coach, teammate and cheerleader.

           September, I think what appeals to me the most about mindful minutes is that the concept lets you acknowledge that life is sometimes overwhelming and that's ok. I think taking a few minutes to yourself, when things are a bit stressful can make all the difference in the world. 

            I think because we now live in a world of social media, most people are too cowardly to admit that they are struggling. Many people are more concerned with how their lives look to others than how it feels to them and I cannot think of anything more toxic and venomous.

I know that learning to handle stress in an organic way will not happen overnight but I think that you can commit to being conscious of your actions and your reactions moving forward. Keep calm and do what you feel works best for you. I’ll be rooting for you and me both.

                                                                                                                        Love,

                                                                                                                                    Nini