Practical, Every Day Mindfulness

Understanding Mindfulness

So, what is mindfulness? Simply put, it's the practice of being present in the moment, fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. But in the military, this can be super difficult! 

There’s this perception that in order to be mindful, we have to spend lots of time meditating and journaling. Those are certainly some ways to practice mindfulness, but we can also introduce it to simple everyday activities! Mindful walking, mindful eating, mindful breathing - these practices can be powerful tools to reduce stress and improve overall well-being in the military.

The Power of Gratitude

Brene Brown once said, "We're a nation hungry for more joy: Because we're starving from a lack of gratitude." Gratitude, the act of being thankful for the good things in life, is another important aspect of mental health. For servicemen and women, this practice can be especially uplifting.

When you practice gratitude regularly, it can help you shift your focus from what's lacking to what you already have, ultimately enhancing your resilience.

Letting Go of What's Beyond Your Control

In the military, there's often a need to control everything, but that's rarely possible when the military decides where you live, when you PCS, when and where you deploy, what time you work, and how much you get paid. Learning to let go of what's beyond your control is vital for your mental well-being.

To reduce stress and anxiety, consider these practical tips for embracing what's beyond your control.

Practical Mindfulness Tips

Here are some mindfulness exercises and techniques that you can apply in your daily life, whether you're on or off duty:

Mindful Breathing: Take a moment to breathe deeply, focusing on your breath. It's a simple but effective technique for stress reduction.

Body Scan: A body scan exercise helps you relax and release tension by mentally scanning and relaxing each part of your body.

Mindful Walking: During your daily walk, pay attention to your surroundings, the sounds, and the sensation of each step. This can improve your focus and reduce stress.

Gratitude Journaling: Set aside a few minutes daily to write down things you're thankful for. This practice can cultivate a sense of thankfulness.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for enhancing mental health and resilience in the military. Incorporating gratitude and learning to let go of what's beyond your control are crucial aspects of this journey. So, here's your call to action: start practicing mindfulness today. It's a small but meaningful step toward improving your mental well-being. If you have questions or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. And remember, you're not alone in this journey. We're here to support you.

Resources:

FREE 14 Day Mindfulness Challenge: https://fabulous-pioneer-9504.ck.page/13952ca49f

Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen)

www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com (https://www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com/)

More about Christina Mattison and the Leading with Heart Podcast

Hey there! I'm Christina Mattison, an Air Force Officer, yoga teacher, dedicated wife, and proud mother of two. But most importantly, I'm here as a wellness and leadership coach for women in the military. I want you to know something: It doesn't have to be this way.

I've walked in your combat boots, and I understand the chaos that often accompanies military life. But I'm here to share a powerful truth with you: You have the innate ability to transform your own life. I've personally experienced this transformation, and I've witnessed it in the lives of countless clients I've had the privilege to guide.

Deep within you, lies the strength to design a life filled with joy, peace, and profound fulfillment. You don't have to conform to the mold of an overachieving robot to achieve success in the military. You can be authentically you and thrive.

Welcome to the Leading With Heart podcast — your ultimate resource for discovering how to infuse joy, peace, and true success into every facet of military life. Through research-based tools, expert interviews, and invaluable insights, these episodes will revolutionize your life.

Get ready to unlock your potential, uncover resilience, and discover the path to a life that aligns with your values and dreams. Join me as we navigate the challenges of military life together, finding balance, purpose, and well-being along the way.

Are you ready to embrace a life filled with joy, peace, and true success? Then it's time to tune in to the Leading With Heart podcast and embark on this transformative journey.