The Man Cave on…Mindfulness – Senior Planet from AARP
Mindfulness is not a natural state. Take a mental inventory – is your mind controlling you – or are you controlling it?
Who is in the driver’s seat?
Most mornings, I find myself in the car, ready to tackle a new day. However, despite being behind the wheel, I often struggle to maintain an optimal mindset. Battling insomnia, facing looming deadlines for my new book, or dealing with an endless to-do list can leave me feeling drained and overwhelmed—even before my first sip of coffee!
In these moments, I pause and remind myself: I am in control. Taking a deep breath, I affirm, I am in the driver’s seat.
My morning ritual begins
My first stop is the local convenience store for a cup of coffee. A friendly greeting to the staff not only energizes me but also highlights the impact of my attitude on their day. Human interaction is incredibly powerful, and a simple conversation can set a positive tone.
Next, I head to the local state park for my morning bike ride. As I pedal along the dirt path, surrounded by the beauty of nature, I focus solely on the trail ahead—navigating tree roots, twists, and small hills. The fresh air fills my lungs, and I’m reminded of the joy in simple moments, like a two-year-old’s smile.
Mindfulness doesn’t come naturally; it requires conscious effort and practice. Carving out time for it rewards me with feelings of peace and gratitude. The benefits of mindfulness are numerous, helping me maintain a healthier, more positive perspective as I tackle my daily tasks.
Harness Your Mindset at Year-End
As the year comes to a close, simple reflection practices can significantly enhance your outlook. Here are a few to consider:
- Begin a Gratitude Ritual: Note three things daily that you’re thankful for, whether big or small. Doing this in the morning can anchor your mindset and serve as a personal mantra throughout the day. Check out this study to reinforce the practice.
- Catch & Release: Embrace a fishing analogy! When a negative thought arises, acknowledge it without judgment. Reframe it into something constructive, then let it go and move forward.
- Breathe: Our breathing directly influences our mental state. Fast, shallow breaths signal stress, while deep, slow breaths promote calm. Taking a moment to breathe deeply can ground your nervous system and help you regain control.
- Manifest: Visualize yourself in a state of happiness or accomplishment. Picture what it looks like and how it feels. Studies show that envisioning positive outcomes increases the likelihood of achieving them.
- Smile: Even a forced smile can signal to your brain that something good is happening. During your gratitude ritual, try smiling as you acknowledge each gift. I often remind myself with a personal mantra: Not so serious in this brief life.
Make mindfulness a regular practice with Senior Planet! Learn the details here.
YOUR TURN
What habits do you practice to encourage mindfulness? Share your tips in the comments!
Michael Tougias is the author of 30 books for adults and 9 books for middle readers. His latest works include Extreme Survival: Lessons From Those Who Have Triumphed Against All Odds and The Waters Between Us: A Boy, A Father, Outdoor Misadventures and the Healing Power of Nature. Visit him at www.michaeltougias.com
Mindfulness is not a natural state. Take a mental inventory – is your mind controlling you – or are you controlling it?
Who is in the driver’s seat?
Most mornings, I find myself in the car, ready to tackle a new day. However, despite being behind the wheel, I often struggle to maintain an optimal mindset. Battling insomnia, facing looming deadlines for my new book, or dealing with an endless to-do list can leave me feeling drained and overwhelmed—even before my first sip of coffee!
In these moments, I pause and remind myself: I am in control. Taking a deep breath, I affirm, I am in the driver’s seat.
My morning ritual begins
My first stop is the local convenience store for a cup of coffee. A friendly greeting to the staff not only energizes me but also highlights the impact of my attitude on their day. Human interaction is incredibly powerful, and a simple conversation can set a positive tone.
Next, I head to the local state park for my morning bike ride. As I pedal along the dirt path, surrounded by the beauty of nature, I focus solely on the trail ahead—navigating tree roots, twists, and small hills. The fresh air fills my lungs, and I’m reminded of the joy in simple moments, like a two-year-old’s smile.
Mindfulness doesn’t come naturally; it requires conscious effort and practice. Carving out time for it rewards me with feelings of peace and gratitude. The benefits of mindfulness are numerous, helping me maintain a healthier, more positive perspective as I tackle my daily tasks.
Harness Your Mindset at Year-End
As the year comes to a close, simple reflection practices can significantly enhance your outlook. Here are a few to consider:
- Begin a Gratitude Ritual: Note three things daily that you’re thankful for, whether big or small. Doing this in the morning can anchor your mindset and serve as a personal mantra throughout the day. Check out this study to reinforce the practice.
- Catch & Release: Embrace a fishing analogy! When a negative thought arises, acknowledge it without judgment. Reframe it into something constructive, then let it go and move forward.
- Breathe: Our breathing directly influences our mental state. Fast, shallow breaths signal stress, while deep, slow breaths promote calm. Taking a moment to breathe deeply can ground your nervous system and help you regain control.
- Manifest: Visualize yourself in a state of happiness or accomplishment. Picture what it looks like and how it feels. Studies show that envisioning positive outcomes increases the likelihood of achieving them.
- Smile: Even a forced smile can signal to your brain that something good is happening. During your gratitude ritual, try smiling as you acknowledge each gift. I often remind myself with a personal mantra: Not so serious in this brief life.
Make mindfulness a regular practice with Senior Planet! Learn the details here.
YOUR TURN
What habits do you practice to encourage mindfulness? Share your tips in the comments!
Michael Tougias is the author of 30 books for adults and 9 books for middle readers. His latest works include Extreme Survival: Lessons From Those Who Have Triumphed Against All Odds and The Waters Between Us: A Boy, A Father, Outdoor Misadventures and the Healing Power of Nature. Visit him at www.michaeltougias.com
