Staying grounded and connected to self, family and surroundings

Here are some suggestions to stay in touch with what matters most to you, including you!

• Write a gratitude note. Choose someone you care about and let them know what makes you thankful for them. Either mail it, email it, send a recording of yourself reading it or find a time to read it aloud to them.
• Practice mindful eating. As you eat your next meal or snack, pay close attention to the experience. Notice the smells, tastes, textures and colors of what you are putting in your body.
• Listen. Have a conversation with a family member, friend or teacher and focus all your attention on being present and hearing what is said. Share with that person something new you learned from the conversation.
• Connect. Ask someone in your household about their day and share something about yours.
• Lend a hand. Help someone in your life make a meal. Focus on being present with each step of the process and enjoy the fruits of your labor together at the end!
• Unplug. Take a walk this week, leaving your cell phone at home. Notice the things around you including sounds, smells, nature and objects you may not have paid attention to before now.
• Take a break. Devote 20 minutes to reading a book without interruptions – leave your phone in a different room!
• Be present. Pick one day this week and leave your cell phone at home when you go somewhere. Go the entire day without being connected to technology. Take time to notice your feelings, emotions and observations without the interruption and distraction of your phone.
• Get some rest. Commit to getting at least seven hours of sleep three nights this week. If you feel up for it, jot down how you feel each morning and reflect back on your notes at the end of the week.
• Take a deep breath. Practice deep breathing once a day. Count to three as you inhale and count to four as your exhale, repeating as many times as you want.