Getting support when you have a chronic illness is a crucial aspect of your wellness. Support comes in many forms, from people who share your condition to friends and loved ones. In addition, there are doctors, therapists and, yes, coaches all here to support your wellness journey.
This includes getting support with mindfulness. Mindfulness isn’t something that comes naturally to us; we have to practice it and dedicate time to become adept. This takes time and sometimes requires help.
The nice thing is that mindfulness, while empowering, doesn’t have to be done in solitude. There are support groups, both online and in-person. Not only can these support groups help us achieve better mindfulness practices, but they can also provide us with new people to meet while feeling encouraged and supported. We also have an opportunity to share our practices while learning new ones.
At Supportegy, we believe that everyone should have the support that increases their wellness. So today, we offer you three mindfulness exercises that will support your well-being.
Mindfulness and Well-Being Exercises for Everyday
Sitting Meditation
Find a quiet, comfortable place. Sit on the floor cross-legged if you can. Take five deep breaths to calm both your body and mind. Notice everything you can through your senses. What can you smell, hear, or feel? Try to sit in this space for 2-5 minutes and then carry on with your day.
Body Scanning
Find a nice quiet place to stretch out on your back. Take five deep breaths to calm your mind and body. Slowly and deliberately scan your body from your toes to your head. Notice what you feel in each body part, from pain to heat or other sensations; if you feel tension, file it away for later consideration. Take three deep breaths, and see if the tension is still there before getting up and getting on with your day.
Walking Meditation
Take 10-20 minutes to go for a walk in nature. Notice your thoughts, feelings, the sensation of the ground beneath your feet, any scents perfuming the air and so on. Try to take slow, deep breaths while you are walking.
These exercises help you grow and flex your mental muscles. The more you use them, the stronger they get. You should do at least one of these exercises at least once weekly. If you can do one thrice a week, you are well on the path to mindfulness. Doing two or three of them several times a week is even better!
Connect to Additional Resources
If you need help with mindfulness or more, let’s connect and get you back to living life beyond chronic illness. Supportegy Wellness provides chronic illness support through various proven ways, including chronic illness support groups.