Pause for a Mindful Moment

Whether it’s at work or at home, you may be focused on putting others first without even realizing it. Practicing mindfulness can help you focus on what YOU need to feel your best. Mindfulness means purposefully paying attention to the present moment. It’s been shown to reduce stress, improve emotional balance, increase self-awareness, and help with anxiety, depression, and coping more effectively with chronic pain.

Remember to take the time to pause and check in with yourself. This may include activities like guided meditations that help you dedicate time to pause and observe your present thoughts and surroundings. It could also be simple paying more attention to what you’re already doing, like noticing the warmth of your coffee cup or a sense of calm after petting your dog. Try this simple mindfulness exercise: Breathe in slowly and exhale slowly, repeating three times. As you’re breathing, gently become aware of the sensations you feel. Notice your chest rising and falling. If you get distracted, focus back on the slow movement of your chest. Give yourself the gift of calm and download the VA Mindfulness Coach App to learn more about practicing mindfulness.