Faculty group marks Mindfulness Matters Week Oct. 14–18

Campus Updates
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The Mindfulness Matters faculty group is marking Mindfulness Matters Week Oct. 14–18. The team is led by Elizabeth Click (nursing), Marji Edguer (social work), Jesse Honsky (nursing), and Matthew Salerno (law).

There is research supporting the helpfulness of mindfulness activities in a number of life domains. Mindfulness activities, such as deep breathing exercises and short meditation sessions, can help lower stress levels, contributing to a more relaxed and positive mindset, and making it easier to manage life pressures. Regular mindfulness practice can boost your mood and emotional resilience. It encourages a greater sense of self-awareness and helps you manage your emotions more effectively. Taking just a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness can significantly enhance your ability to concentrate. By calming your mind, you can reduce distractions and improve your overall performance.

The Mindfulness Matters group will offer advice and several activities throughout the week. Stay tuned to The Daily this week to learn more. Today, review a brief gratitude activity you can do on your own:

  1. Take a few deep breaths: Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a moment, and then exhale gently through your mouth. Repeat this a few times to center yourself.
  2. Focus on the present moment: Bring your attention to the present moment. Notice the sensations in your body, the rhythm of your breath, and any sounds around you. Allow yourself to be fully present.
  3. Reflect on gratitude: Think of three things you are grateful for today. These can be simple things like a warm cup of coffee, a kind word from a friend, or the beauty of nature. Take a moment to fully appreciate each one.
  4. Visualize your gratitude: As you think of each thing you’re grateful for, visualize it in your mind. Imagine the feelings of joy, warmth and contentment that come with it. Let these positive emotions fill your heart.
  5. Express your gratitude: Either write down your gratitudes, or silently in your mind acknowledge what you are grateful for. You can say something like, “I am grateful for the support of my friends,” or “I am thankful for the beautiful weather today.”