Mindfulness is an important tool for recovery and better mental health. Mindfulness is the principle of staying in the here and now and intentionally not fixating on the past or future. Avoiding the present moment and focusing on the past and future creates anxieties and distress because you don’t have full control over the past or present.

1) Stay in the moment. The truth is that there are some things in life you have to plan. You have to take care of work and family responsibilities. You don’t have to be consumed with worry or fear over the future. Staying in the moment is mindfulness 101. Being present takes some practice, but you can learn to master it. Try to do visualize reeling yourself back in when your mind wanders. Gently remind yourself to be in the present moment.

2) Focus on your breathing. When you are feeling negativity, chances are the rhythm of your breath will mimic your anxiety level. Anxiety can produce somatic symptoms in your chest and your heart. You may feel dread and uncertainty. Again, take a step back. Focus only on your breathing. In. Out. Repeat.

3) Detach from your thoughts. Thoughts are not always fact. When you have a negative thought, imagine yourself capturing it. Remind yourself that you are not your thoughts.

4) Next, replace the negative with positive. Whenever you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts, immediately replace them with positive affirmations. Remember this:

• Just because you made a mistake, you are not a failure
• Be kind to yourself
• Be patient
• Don’t say bad things to yourself

5) Self-care is prevention. Life can be pretty stressful sometimes, so self-care is critical. Mindful self-care can be a great excuse to pamper yourself. Mindful self-care does not have to be fancy, but whatever you do, make sure to prioritize self-care.

You can have self-care by scheduling and setting time aside every week or two. After you plan your self-care, you can decide what you want to do. Here are some low cost ways to achieve self-care:

• Take a bubble bath
• Have a night of candles and jazz music
• Read
• Watch a movie
• Learn a new recipe

Mindfulness does not have to be complicated. Mindfulness can be as simple as setting time aside for self-care, detaching from negative thinking, mindful breathing, and staying in the moment. Whatever you are working through, mindfulness is a great way to focus and reduce anxiety.

Learning mindfulness is the best defense during stress. Call The Kimberly Center now at 855-4-KCENTER. We are committed to putting you and your recovery first. At the Kimberly Center, our clients are in trusted hands.