A mindful holiday

As the holiday season approaches, here are a few mindful tips from MARC:
 
1. Remember to pause
Bring more enjoyment to the holiday frenzy with moments of stillness. This can mean taking a mindful breath when you’re most frazzled or being extra vigilant to keep your daily mindfulness practice alive this month. Or attend a retreat (like our
Dec. 10 Day of Mindfulness)- a great escape from holiday madness. 

 

2. Connect with others
One of the greatest gifts you can give another person is your presence. Make a commitment to listen wholeheartedly – without interrupting – to a loved one this holiday season.

3. Supplement presents with presence
In the spirit of connecting- do we need another “thing” or might we consider other ways of giving gifts? Try the gift of spending  quality time through an experience rather than an item, or volunteer with your whole family.

4. Be gentle with yourself
 Remember, “Under stress we regress.” So if you see yourself acting like a teenager when visiting family for the holidays, take a breath, relax, and know whatever is happening now will likely change. Forgive yourself to the best of your ability.

5. Practice gratitude.
Research show that happy people are more connected to gratitude. Make a gratitude list or spend five minutes in meditation reflecting on what you are grateful for.

Have a happy, mindful holiday 

UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center

“Growth can stem from the most surprising places”

R. M. Andrews & Associates LLC
Marc Andrews LCSW, DCSW, MS
President Elect, National Association of Social Workers Oregon
Counseling & Clinical Supervision

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The Neuroscience of

It scares us to feel disconnected from those we love; yet it also scares us when the other does not see, and value, who we are and the unique contributions we yearn to bring to life and key relationships. Upsetting emotions, when not regulated, release high levels of stress hormones in the body.

Like other parts of the nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system operates through a series of interconnected neurons. Fortunately, it works in complementary fashion, as a team and not opposition, with the parasympathetic nervous system.

Whereas the sympathetic is an instant response that prepares you to have extraordinary strength to fight or flee, and the parasympathetic nervous system, in contrast, is a gradual response that restores a relative balance to the energies of your body and mind. We can learn to regular anger and fear in ways that we calm our mind and body.

The gift of listening to one another for understanding, when applied skillfully, is one of the most powerful regulators of fear.

For more information about counseling and psychology, check out my site at RMarcAndrews.com

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5 Ways Positive Psychology Can Improve the Workplace | Adventures in Positive Psychology

There are many organizations and small businesses out there that recognize the value of multiple bottom lines beyond simply profit. Building an inspiring work culture and investing in the health and development of their people is an additional priority for long-term business success.

Research supports that certain positive psychological outcomes relate to greater organizational outcomes. Positive emotions and related processes can lead to greater motivation, fulfillment with work, and the ability to cope with stress and uncertainty.

Take a look at how there tools may help you
1) Strengths, virtues, and self-determination
2) Emotional intelligence
3) Psychological capital and positive organizational behavior
4) Level of innovation and change
5) The virtuous organization

For more information about counseling and psychology, check out my site at RMarcAndrews.com

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