You deserve a break

I'm writing to you from an apartment overlooking the Adriatic Sea. I'm going to be transparent with you, this week was not great and I will have to explain later, but I am grateful to be in Croatia on this beautiful holiday. The tool I am using to feel better and stay present right now is mindfulness.

This weekend I encourage you (and myself) to take time for yourself, feel the breeze, really notice the wind trickling up your arm, and the sun slowly warming your the skin on your face.

We deserve this break.

This is why we are alive.

While we’re taking this much deserved break, here is a reminder on the tools that can help us be more mindful:

1. Use music as medicine - My therapist shared a form of music called Bilateral EMDR to help me redefine my depression and anxiety. She told me this is used as a therapeutic technique that combines elements of music and bilateral stimulation to help process and regulate emotions, reduce distress, and promote a sense of wellbeing. Originally this type of music was used in the context of trauma therapy, such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), however she said this can be used for everyone. Whenever you need a moment to just be, you can listen to this playlist and notice the feelings and thoughts that pop up, and then name them. You can also choose any calming music that you enjoy too.

2. Take a walk in nature - While you are taking this walk, try to notice your body and thoughts, and be present. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that spending just 20 minutes in nature significantly boosts feelings of vitality, increasing energy levels and improves overall mental wellbeing. Participants who engaged in activities such as walking in a park, sitting by a lake, or even gardening reported increased feelings of happiness, decreased feelings of stress, and improved cognitive functioning.

3. Write it down - Try writing down 3 things you’re noticing or grateful for. They can be big or small, such as a beautiful sunset, a supportive friend, or a good cup of coffee. Reflecting on positive aspects of your life and expressing gratitude for them can increase your overall happiness. This platform allows you to track your own gratitude entries while also contributing to important research on how gratitude impacts our daily lives for the better.

Here is a calm music playlist I made:

Sending you all much love,

Meagan

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As always you can connect with me @megandtheboys