I like the way the Headspace app described it. They compared mindfulness to a busy highway, and instead of running into traffic, you just watch it all pass without judgment or getting tangled up in it. It can be as simple as pausing to breathe deeply for a few moments, make yourself aware of your surroundings, do something tactile like touch a flat surface, and consider your body from the feet upward.

It’s a good practice but most people preach about it like some magic cure-all which is useless and insulting.

by streettiger0192

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Like everything, when it comes to your health, the key is moderation. Adding too much in one go can often overwhelm and ultimately cause a person to give up; it’s too much too soon. It’s far better to add mindfulness elements one or two at a time, wait for these to become a part of your routine and then introduce one or two more a few weeks down the road. Start with mindfulness practices that you are most eager to try, be it yoga or breathing exercises, and once you are used to them, add ones that can easily be completed around the same time each day.

by Natalie Denton

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If you’ve ever tried meditation or mindfulness, then you’ll probably have been asked to clear all of your thought by concentrating on each one of your senses in turn. The idea is to focus on what you can feel, hear, taste, smell and see in that particular moment. By acknowledgement of what our five senses are experiencing, we’re said to let go of unwanted thoughts and bring ourselves back to the here and now. But achieving this kind of clarity in day-to-day life is easier said than done, especially when there are piles of washing to be done and meals to be cooked.

by Laura Crombie

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The benefits of mindfulness and mental health are intertwined. You can’t have one without the other. The same could be said for the body. Everything is connected.

By simply focusing on the present moment, without judgement, we can positively impact mental health in a few ways. Research shows it can reduce stress while increasing wellbeing and happiness overall. Mindfulness can improve physical health by lowering blood pressure and improving sleep. Most surprisingly, it can help with eating disorders, anxiety and even substance abuse.

by Sarah Gane

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If you ever had the pleasure of being totally immersed in an artistic activity, you will know just how enjoyable the process is. The state of absorption you enter while being creative - that amazing feeling of completely being ‘in the zone’ - gives your brain a break from its inner dialogue. Instead of rehashing the same old ruminations, you’ll cultivate feelings of joy, calmness and contentment.

Undertaking an art project also leads to a sense of achievement, which does wonders for your self-esteem and confidence. Plus, it provides an outlet for expressing feelings and emotions that might be too difficult to express verbally.

by Sarah Gane

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Holidays and traveling can be ideal for switching off from the usual routine - leaving your to-do lists, emails and worries at home and seeking out new adventures. But what if some of your worries and responsibilities hop into your luggage and follow you? That’s where mindfulness comes in. Mindful travel means being present in the moment, soaking up your surroundings and paying attention to your needs. By creating the time and space to fully immerse yourself in the new sights and sensations, you can enjoy your travels without the commotion of normal life getting in the way.

by Victoria Williams

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#seasons #winter #weather #cold #hot 🥶

I really enjoy going outside in nice, soft, warm clothes and smelling the smoke coming from peoples chimneys. It is also very relaxing to be inside and hear the wind howling outside and see the snow being blown around all over. Summer kind of sucks, as soon as you walk outside you start sweating and people are out making noise with their loud motorcycles, trucks, and lawn care equipment. Dogs also never shut up in the summer. You can't walk through grass and stuff without getting bitten by spiders, ticks, and other bugs in the summer either. I've been planning on moving to Alaska if I can ever afford to.

by minmatch123

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I live for those days when it hits 90+ F, it's like you can feel the energy of the heat coursing through you. If I never saw snow or ice again, I would be content. It's not even pretty to look at, it's just white everywhere until infrastructure kicks in and turns it into a coal-laden salt-heavy slush. Even the air stinks during the winter.

by tacochemic

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I really dislike the short transition between seasons, the weather gets weird and can't decide what it's doing. I don't mind having to work my schedule around snow or rain, it's when it goes from cold to hot and back again that is annoying. When I leave the house in the morning I never know what to expect. I can never seem to manage to dress appropriately for the weather in those transition periods. It'll be cold in the morning, so I'll bundle up. But then it'll get hot in the afternoon or vice versa. Either way I end up carrying clothing.

anonymously

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I just plain hate summer and love winter. The chill is brisk and makes me feel full of energy. Falling and fresh fallen snow is one of the most beautiful things to me. At night I can curl up under blankets and feel cozy and warm. And it isn't that hard or expensive at all to keep a well insulated apartment like mine warm.

By contrast in the summer I just feel sluggish. The heat drains so much energy from me, I already drink a liter or two of water a day minimum and in summer that can almost double. It's so hard to cool an apartment down when the sun is out and beating down on it. I feel like a disgusting mess no matter how many times I shower. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

by jdm5544

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I love all the seasons…they’re so different and unique in their own ways. Summer is a bit uncomfortable because the heat is ridiculous even if you’re only wearing a bikini 😆. Having to wear clothes feels like a sauna 🥵. BUT I get to enjoy the beautiful beach, the lakes and rivers, the fresh water springs…so that makes up for the discomfort of unbearable heat, plus frozen beverages. Winter is beautiful to me. The sight of snow ❄️ makes me giddy like a child…pure happiness. Fireplace lit, hot cocoa with marshmallows, Christmas lights everywhere, crisp, fresh air, hoodies and snuggled up in thick blankets. No sweating is a plus 👌🏼. Autumn…the changing of the colors…watching the leaves fall, blowing in the wind everywhere 🍁, the air changes, the temperature becomes comfortable, campfires outside, s’mores, apple cider, holiday spirit on the rise. And Spring…all the birds singing, the fresh breeze, new scenic greenery, flowers blooming, 🌺the sweet aroma, leaving the windows open…every season is wonderful in its own way. The changing of the seasons, I adore the characteristics of each.

by onearm4148

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I live in Texas and in the summer it is just brutal. Can’t go for walks anymore, can’t go get fresh air without baking alive, it’s miserable.

Every summer I go “Why do I live in a place where I’m miserable any time I step out of the house?” Still don’t have a good answer. If it ever becomes financially possible I’m moving somewhere with mellower summers.

by thefivevirtues

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I hate winter. My saving grace is underground parking, really thick long socks, a hat, and a really over the top infinity scarf. I hate it.

by infinitebeep

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#fashion #trends #clothes

Boots this season run the gamut, so whether you prefer to go high or flat, leather or rubber, chunky or sleek, the shoe world is your oyster

by Naomi Smart

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I have seen an abundance of grey jumpers over the last month. They’re rife in Vogue House – personally speaking, I’ve been wearing the Uniqlo’s men version on repeat since the weather turned – but I’ve also spotted them on my commute, down supermarket aisles and in pub gardens.
I appreciate this isn’t a groundbreaking concept, and it might just be a case of, once you start seeing something you see it everywhere. But, having spoken to friends and colleagues, I can confirm that grey jumpers have become this season’s unexpected – and unsung – wardrobe hero.

by Alice Cary

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I take peaks at the runway shows and then keep my eye out for what is trickling down to the Zara’s and Mangos of the world. I do a ton of “window shopping” on as many contemporary shopping sites as I can. I also follow stylists and personal shoppers on social media platforms.

Everything is a trend, especially if you’re trying to “keep up”. There’s just different tiers of trends. There’s long lasting ones like skinny jeans, and micro trends like platform Ugg slip ons. Virtually no one is exempt from a trend - cue the Miranda Priestly monologue about cerulean blue in Devil Wears Prada.

by pandaaf

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Ask any of my friends who the last person they’d expect to see wearing a gilet is, and they’ll say me. In fact, one of my favourite pastimes is teasing my brother-in-law for his city boy predilection for a sleeveless quilted vest. But it seems I’m going to have to eat my words this season, because the gilet has shed its corporate retreat associations to sneak its way into the wardrobes of some of the most stylish people I know. And dare I say it, it’s starting to grow on me.

by Joy Montgomery

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I take most of my inspo from social media but I don’t really follow people because I like the specific items they’re wearing, I follow for inspo on how to put things together in ways I wouldn’t think of. Of course there are times when I see someone I follow wearing an item I would never pick out and I obsess over it but mostly I get inspo from seeing how they create outfits! I have enough of a grasp on my own style that I can pick out items I like and identify holes in my wardrobe without being told what’s cool by influencers.

Here’s a couple YouTubers/influencers I really like: Laini Ozark, Naja Sierra, Chloe Felopulos, Susielola, Cup of Jordy, Drew Joiner, & Stealthespotlight

by magicplatypus2

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This might sound a bit... creepy? Idk. But I pay attention to my students. I teach at a university, so most of my students are right at the age where they are paying attention to trends and buying their own clothes. I also pay attention to IG and Pinterest, although those aren't huge drivers in my fashion decisions.

Although honestly, I don't follow a lot of trends. My style is somewhat minimal and classic, focusing on dark colors, very few patterns, shapes that flatter my body specifically, and key pieces. Then I'll add in an accessory or use my shoes to update the look. No, I don't always look "current," but I'm happy with my method because it looks good on me and it means I can hold on to my high quality basic pieces rather than cycling through fast fashion as the trends come and go.

by caffeinatemecaptain

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