Mindful Mondays

Youth and adults can learn to navigate stress through mindfulness

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Emotions are contagious: Learn what science and research has to say about it

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  • Visualization

    Visualizing is a mindfulness technique to help you pause and focus on something in order to feel calm. Visualization is just imagining. Imagine that you are at the beach or in the mountains or in your favorite place. What things to you see there? What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel? Visualize some place that helps you feel calm and connected.

  • Straw Breathing

    Practice taking slow, deep breaths out. Sometimes when we feel anxious or stressed our breathing gets quick and shallow. Focusing on slowing down and lengthening your breathing can help you feel calm. You can use a straw to practice these slow breaths. Take a deep breath in, put the straw to your lips and slowly breathe out.

  • Conscious Breathing

    Try intentionally slowing down your breathing. Each time you inhale think to yourself, “I am breathing in for one,” and as you exhale think, “I am breathing out for one.” Repeat this until you reach the number five. Then pause and notice how you feel. You can repeat this breathing exercise anytime you feel overwhelmed.