Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

NikNikSenior Contributor07 Oct 2016, 11:54 am AEDT

Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Hello everyone!

From Sunday 9 Oct - Saturday 15 Oct, Mental Health Week is taking place all over Australia.

@CherryBomb & I were thinking about a challenge we could set ourselves for the week - something small that could improve our wellbeing, which we could fit into our day.

We were reflecting on the great sessions we did recently on Everyday Mindfulness and thought we should put that into practice!

We were hoping you all were up for the challenge too!

So each day we are going to pop in and share how we're going integrating mindfulness into our daily routine & we'd love to hear how you go as well.

Over the weekend it would be great if you started by posting your goals for the week. That way at the end we can look back and see if we each reached our goals and if we didn't what we could change.

So my goal for the week will be:

1) Enjoy my morning tea. I typically run around like a headless chook in the morning and sip my tea between drying my hair, ironing my clothes. So my challenge will be to have a cup of tea each morning without doing anything else at the same time.

2) Body scan. It takes me a while to wind down when I go to bed at night, so I'm going to incorporate a body scan in my night time routine. I'm not good an keeping concentration, so I might use the Smiling Mind app

If you're looking for inspiration on what you can do, here is some inspiration:

What mindfulness app is right for you: A great blog rating four of the most common mindfulness apps

What is minfulness?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnpQ6hRp8ek

Practical activities: Have a look through our Mindfulness session to find great ideas for activities.

So - who's in & what's your goals?

I will provide my first update Monday 🙂

53 replies

21 - 30 of 53

1 2 3 4...6

In response to: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Shaz51Senior Contributor11 Oct 2016, 1:52 pm AEDT

Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Ohh I have done my first challenge today --a camp chair outside and read my book with a cup of coffee, @NikNik, @CherryBomb, I will have to plan it in my weekly routine from now

In response to: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

BlueBaySenior Contributor11 Oct 2016, 1:54 pm AEDT

Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Good on you @Shaz51. Xxoo

In response to: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Unknown userMember12 Oct 2016, 7:05 am AEDT

Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Good morning,

So I'm changing my goal to be kind to myself.

Sitting here watching the trees again. I want to spend some time this week reflecting on the challenges I have overcome since leaving hospital.

In response to: Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

BlueBaySenior Contributor12 Oct 2016, 7:40 am AEDT

Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Hi @Former-Member

That sounds nice, just sitting and watching the trees. I am having breakfast and I am being mindful of every bite I take of my toast and sip of my tea. I can also hear the birds outside.

Hope you have a nice day 🙂

In response to: Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

CherryBombSenior Contributor12 Oct 2016, 10:56 am AEDT

Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Hi everyone!

Like @NikNik, I forgot about my mindfulness challenge on the the first day. My promise was to be more mindful in the shower and while drinking my coffee. The first day of my challenge I only remembered as I was getting out of the shower, and with my coffee, I only remembered when I drinking the last drops.

The next few days went a lot better, I actually remembered and then caught my mind wandering off. Have had to do a lot of work with reigning my thoughts back - my head is very busy! But it's great to be aware of it so that I can work on it.

In response to: Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Tight-ControlSenior Contributor12 Oct 2016, 3:12 pm AEDT

Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Hi All I haven't posted for while.

Mindfullness , I started doing something in the mornings that has had a HUGE impact on my relationship with my wife in a positive way.

Usually the morning chaos getting kids ready for school, organising my day , week, month . year life. racing around in a routine. Wishing everyone a good day then heading out the door.

NOW I Deliberately slow down for 30 seconds get myself in the moment so I am totally present.Then I kiss my wife goodbye for the day. it has been so powerful for us .

So Grab that moment for yourself share it with someone or just take time for yourself . but slow down be in the moment enjoy now and leave the chaos of the past and futre sitting still for a bit. its like having an recharge for your emotional battries.

have a great mnetla helath week everyone,

Ps I went to a great Art Exhibition on saturday in Wagin Western Australia " Can You See My Mind" which focussed on menatl health awareness ..It was rreally well attanded ..100 odd people . not bad for a town with 1500 population.

In response to: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

BlueBaySenior Contributor12 Oct 2016, 9:18 pm AEDT

Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Hi everyone
Didn't do my mindfulness this afternoon. Was supposed to take a break at work. Failed.

In response to: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Unknown userMember13 Oct 2016, 6:51 am AEDT

Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Hi @BlueBay

Your words are exactly why challenges don't work for me. If I don't do them porperly, I fail. What a horrible thing to say to myself. Unfortunately I don't have a remedy - I'm still trying to figure out how to be kind to myself AND do things that are good for myself, like eating healthy, meditating, exercises, mindfulness... i think I'm still trying to figure out how to set REALISTIC goals for myself whilst accepting myself with my illness.

Anyway, you haven't failed, try again today x

PS: and I will try to be as kind to me as I am to you.

In response to: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Unknown userMember13 Oct 2016, 6:53 am AEDT

Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

@Tight-Control

That is a great way to be mindful!

In response to: Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

BlueBaySenior Contributor13 Oct 2016, 7:07 am AEDT

Re: Mental Health Week Challenge: Every day mindfulness

Hi @Former-Member

That's my problem - I set all good intentions of doing things, then I go once and BANG - I stop. And that's when the negative self talk comes in.

It's like that with everything I do. I can never stick to something. And then I feel angry and guilty.

Accepting your illness - This is a really hard one for me. And also acceptingn what my family/parents have done to me. Need to work on this. I totally understand what you mean.

Take care @Former-Member, hope you have a nice day 🙂

21 - 30 of 53

1 2 3 4...6