How to Practice Mindfulness

Living with aphasia after a stroke or brain injury can be stressful and anxiety inducing for both the survivor as well as his or her family members. There’s no doubt that for many, those feelings have only been intensified by the ongoing global pandemic. If you are among those struggling with these emotions during these trying times, you may want to embrace the practice of mindfulness.

The practice of mindfulness can mean many different things to different people. However, it can be summed up as a way of maintaining an acute awareness of your current thoughts, feelings, and your physical condition via a relaxed state of being.

By practicing mindfulness, your thoughts tune in to what you’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing bad feelings from the past or experiencing anxiety about the future.  This can allow you to experience new sensations and emotions while reducing stress and anxiety.

If it sounds like practicing mindfulness would be beneficial to you, here are eight ways you began your practice today:

• Live in the moment. Enjoy the present without thinking of the past or worrying about the future.
• Accept things as they are. Be satisfied with your current conditions or circumstances. Look for the positive in everything that you encounter.
• Use your imagination. Visualize what you want and where you want to be.
• Take action. Think of something that you would like to do and put yourself in the mental and physical state to simply do it.
• Accept your mistakes. We all make mistakes. Rather than dwell on them, acknowledge what you have learned from them and strive to do better.
• Aim for fulfillment. Although it is important to pursue the things you want, it is perhaps most important to feel content and satisfied.
• Practice altruism. By helping others, you focus on their needs rather than your own.
• Take inventory. At the end of the day, week, month; take inventory of where you are mentally and emotionally. Make any adjustments you need to in order to remain mindful.

Lastly, remember that while aphasia can lead to stress, anxiety, frustration and isolation, there are steps you can take to improve your speech and communication. Considering booking a half-hour consultation to learn how.

 
Lingraphica Can Help

We offer free one-on-one consultations to SLPs, caregivers, and people with aphasia who want to improve communication, but aren’t sure where to start. Call us now at 888-965-6005 or schedule a call.