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Mind-Body Techniques

Mindfulness practices

  • Listen to the sound of the birds chirping or wind in the trees
  • Smell the fresh scent of the air or spring flowers
  • Notice the musty smell of an old blanket
  • Look at the clouds in the sky
  • Look at the cracks in the sidewalk
  • Notice the feel of a soft stuffed animal
  • Notice the feel of a bumpy edge or your keys
  • Concentrate on other thoughts like counting shapes or colours, watching TV
  • Count down slowly from 10 to 0
  • Breathe slowly, in through the nose and out through the mouth
  • Meditate
  • Do some breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing (video) or box breathing (video)

Movement-based techniques

  • Practice yoga
  • Practice tai chi
  • Do some stretches
  • Learn self-defence