Hey y'all! Shandelynn Hillard here, your go-to therapist for all things therapy and mindfulness. Now, I know life can feel like you're juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle—trust me, I get it. But today, let's press the pause button and talk about mindfulness. Why? Because slowing down and staying present is like putting on your oxygen mask first. You can't help others if you ain't taking care of yourself, right?
So, let me hit y'all with a little nugget of wisdom to get you in that mindful zone: The Five Senses Exercise. Y'all, this is a game-changer. 🌟
Here's how it works:
1️⃣ See: Look around and find 5 things you can see.
2️⃣ Touch: Feel 4 objects around you.
3️⃣ Hear: Listen for 3 distinct sounds.
4️⃣ Smell: Detect 2 different scents.
5️⃣ Taste: Take a moment to taste 1 thing.
Simple as that! It ain't rocket science, but it's a start to anchoring yourself in the present moment. This exercise is fantastic because you can do it anytime, anywhere. Whether you're at home, in your car, or sneaking a moment between clients—take a breather and get in touch with those senses.
Look, ya'll, I've been around the block, from youth shelters to private clinics, and let me tell you, mindfulness is not just a trending topic. It's an essential skill—a coping mechanism to help you embrace life's ups and downs with grace. So give this exercise a try and let me know how it goes!
Until next time, keep rockin' that healing journey! 🌈✌️