Mindful Mondays
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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.
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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.
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Mantra
A mantra is a short word or phrase that you repeat to yourself while meditating. The word or phrase can be anything that helps you feel calm and centered and could be something like “I am safe, I feel calm,” “Love,” or “I breathe in, I am calm, I breathe out I’m smile.” Find a comfortable place to sit, close your eyes, breathe and repeat a word or phrase that helps you feel calm.