Wellness of the Mind

WELLNESS OF THE MIND

In the CMA, we place strong value on wellness of the mind. Wellness of the mind involves regularly reflecting upon what’s happening within ourselves, allowing us to still our thoughts and approach our work and relationships with a clear and capable disposition. By consistently attending to one’s thoughts and feelings, it can become easier to handle the stressors that are an inevitable part of life. In that regard, working towards a healthy mindset can serve as a sort of preventative maintenance, so that we can be our best selves as much as possible.

While many physiological activities help reduce stress, cultivating habits of mindfulness can also be very powerful in helping you feel more at peace. Mindfulness might best be characterized as awareness, and mindful practice helps us develop awareness of both ourselves and the world around us. Mindful practice, when approached regularly, can help us recondition our minds to process thoughts, feelings, interactions, and other life events in a manner that is more balanced, compassionate, and workable. Engaging with mindful practice can be both formal and informal, where formal practice focuses upon cultivating the foundational elements of mindfulness (i.e., breathing, awareness of mind and body), and informal practice emphasizes applying foundational elements to the real world. Ultimately, mindfulness helps us improve our relationship with ourselves and our surroundings.

For a quick mindfulness exercise, try the following:

- In a seated position with your feet flat on the floor and your hands in a comfortable spot on your lap, gently close your eyes.
- Take a slow, natural, deep breath, focusing on the inhale and the gentle exchange of the breath before you slowly exhale.
- Repeat this process for ten good breaths. Simply notice the breath, in and out, each time.
- Try to remain focused on your breath. If your mind wanders from the breath, that is okay! This is natural. If you notice your mind wandering, simply bring it back to the breath. There is no judgment if your mind wanders.

More resources are available through the BGSU Mindful Behavior Therapies and Psychophysiology Lab, which can be accessed here.