Utilizing Origami as a mindfulness activity…By Leslien Walters, RN, BA, BScN, MHSc, CPMHN(C)
Why Should We Practice Mindfulness and try out mindfulness activities? I am so happy to share my love of origami with other nurses. There have been many prominent teachers like Deepak Chopra or Eckhart Tolle and others who teach us about the power of mindfulness and why it’s so important to incorporate it into our daily practice. It has many proven benefits from reducing anxiety, depression and chronic pain to improving sleep and reducing stress. Mindfulness can help us stay centered. All in all, mindfulness is an important practice for us to cultivate.There are many mindfulness activities that you can practice daily. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress. In general, seek to develop three key characteristics of mindfulness:
Intention to cultivate awareness (and return to it again and again)
Attention to what is occurring in the present moment (simply observing thoughts, feelings, sensations as they arise)
Attitude that is non-judgmental, curious, and kind.
See the attached PDF to learn how to start practicing origami!
Happy Nurses Week Everyone!