Tag: Self-Care

One Minute to Mindfulness: Look Up

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Mindfulness, nature, Peace, positivity, Purpose and Meaning, Relaxation, Video27 Comments

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From Restless to Restful

I look up every chance I get. First thing in the morning. On my run. On my way to work. In between classes. Out for a bike ride. From the skylight in my office. On the front porch before I go to sleep.

Connected to Something Bigger

The sky connects us to something much bigger. Challenges seem small in comparison to the vastness of the sky. Solutions seem plausible. Answers come more easily.

One Minute to Mindfulness — Click Here

Peace in Every Glance

The stars heighten our awareness, expand our field of possibilities, and relax our mind. In their presence, we embrace the profound and surrender the pettiness.

When we look up, we become fully present. In the moment. Completely mindful. Nowhere else to be but one with the sky.

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Reflection Questions

What are your mindfulness tips?

How do you transcend your restless thoughts?

How often do you look up?

Are you a star gazer or a sun worshipper?

Do you see pictures in the clouds?

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Video of Blog Post — Click Here

The Cure for the Anxious Mind.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Coping Strategies, Happiness, Health Psychology, Mindfulness, Peace34 Comments

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Nature is a beautiful way to stop the monkey mind in its’ tracks.

What is the monkey mind? 🐒 🧠

“Buddha described the human mind as being filled with drunken monkeys, jumping around, screeching, chattering, carrying on endlessly. Fear is an especially loud monkey –  screaming out all the things that could go wrong.” Source: HuffPost 

When we’re caught in a loop of anxious thoughts, our amygdala goes into overdrive. Causing us to get stuck in the basement of our brains (the limbic system) where our stressful thoughts go around and around. With no end to the downward spiral in sight.

B R E A T H I N G    S P A C E

Time in nature gives us a chance to catch our breath, to see the light, to realize there’s a way out of this never-ending rumination loop.

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The Healing Power of Nature 🍃

The impact of nature on the human spirit is so profound that a hallmark study in 1984 showed that patients who had a room with a view healed faster than patients without a view. A mere glimpse of nature was enough to enhance their resilience.

Hope 🌷

Nature shifts our thoughts. Expands our awareness. Gives us hope. Lifts us up from the basement of our brains (amygdala) to the penthouse (cerebral cortex) where all solutions are possible.

”And into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul.” 

Related Video: Grounding Techniques

 How do you soothe tame your anxious monkey mind?

Catch your breath.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Coping Strategies, empowerment, Mental Health, nature, Peace, Personal Growth, Self-Care, Stress Management, Thriving, Video55 Comments

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“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, not what’s left of you.”

Pause.

Be still.

Catch your breath.

Take a rest.

Practice self-care.

As often as you can.

Pause at the end of my video ⬆️ for 30 fun self-care ideas.

Do you practice daily self-care?

Please share in the comments below.

Work hard. Rest. Repeat.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn empowerment, Mindfulness, motivation, Psychology Class, Self Reflection, Self-Care, Stress Management, Student Success35 Comments

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To All Nursing Students, including my own:

If I were to assign any homework this weekend it would be to take a break.

10 minutes at a time.

5 times a day.

Because you have all worked exceptionally hard the past two weeks.

And a good rest is half the work.

Although things may not have gone your way.

Not exactly as you had planned.

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You are still here.

This is something to celebrate.

Because showing up and being fully present is the essence of being a spectacular nurse.

And training to be a nurse is as much about the journey as the knowledge itself.

Take a breath.

Take a rest.

Give yourself credit.

For ALL that brought you here.

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Focus on the ENTIRE process.

Not just one paper. Or one test.

Because the only way to finish a marathon is to take the water from the sidelines, eat the food along the way, and most importantly celebrate every step in the journey.

No matter how small.

No matter how challenging.

And if you need motivation to take a break, see this post:

https://drandreadinardo.com/2016/12/03/give-yourself-a-break/

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I am sending you all good vibes.

All day long.

Every step of the way.

YOU GOT THIS !!

Dr. D. 😊

5 Ways to Reduce Stress Today.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Health Psychology, Mindfulness, Peace, Relaxation, Resilience, Self-Care, Strengths, Stress, Stress Management, Thriving, Zen12 Comments

Life is complicated. Stress management shouldn’t be.

1. Remember to Breathe.

2. Be Grateful for This Day.

3. Do What You Love.

4. Move Your Body.

5. Keep Looking Up.

Repeat Daily. 💙

It’s ok not to be ok.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Mental Health, Personal Growth, Self Reflection, Self-Care, Stress Management56 Comments

As a positive psychologist, I often write about the bright side of life. Including harnessing strengths, enhancing motivation, and flourishing in the wake of adversity.

Not the whole picture.

While strengths are vital to realizing one’s full potential – it’s not the whole picture when it comes to living a balanced life.

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Embrace the downside.

We must also create a safe place to welcome the parts of ourselves (and our life) that weigh us down and cause us despair.

In doing so, we soften the grip of its pain. Whether it be suffering from years gone by or a hardship in current time.

Give your pain room to breathe.

Give your disappointments, your conflicts, your lost dreams room to breathe.

You are not inadequate because you have depression. You are not unworthy because you’re divorced. You are not unloveable because you have anxiety. You are not undesirable because you’re unemployed. You are not undeserving because you’re broke.

You’re perfect just the way you are.

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Life ebbs and flows, comes and goes. Like the waves on the ocean shore. You are forever. Your potential grows. It’s ok not to be ok. What comes – also goes.

Welcome it all.