How to practice mindful eating, movement and connection

Mindfulness is maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. Mindfulness involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings through a nurturing lens without judgment. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we are sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future. We are present.

According to Harvard Health, “a small yet growing body of research suggests that a slower, more thoughtful way of eating could help with weight problems and maybe steer some people away from processed food and other less-healthful choices.” Keep the following mindful eating tips in mind:

1. Engage your five senses. Notice flavors, textures, smells and colors of what you are eating.
2. Slow down when eating. Try placing your utensils down in between  bites and set a timer for 15-20 minutes while you eat.
3. Remember your purpose. Ask yourself “How is this food nourishing me?” or “How is this food helping me reach my goals?”
4. Practice appreciation and gratitude. Take time before a meal to express thanks and try placing your hand on your heart to express self-compassion.

Mindfulness can encourage healthier eating. Results from a Gettysburg College study “suggest that generic mindfulness-based strategies could have ancillary benefits for encouraging healthier eating behavior.” Gaining control of your eating habits can improve chronic condition management, promote weight loss or weight management, reduce binge eating, reduce stress and help you “Choose Happy.” By changing the way you think about food, the negative feelings that may be associated with eating are replaced with awareness, improved self-control, and positive emotions.

A study published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise explored the benefits of mindful movement and found “when people were both more mindful and more active than usual, they seem to have this decrease in negative affect (negative emotions and poor self-concept).” Mindful movement means noticing the physical sensations of the body in motion – body heat, muscle tension, facial expression and air movement around you. Active mindfulness practice brings the mind and body in union which regulates the nervous system.

Mindful walking means engaging at a pace slower than your natural gait which will provide heightened awareness. Take the following steps:

1. Be aware of the lifting, rolling from heel-to-toe, and placement back down of each foot
2. Stay focused on the flow of this process over and over, feel your arm movement after each step, one foot at a time
3. After 10-15 steps, stand still, allowing your arms to rest by your sides
4. Notice the sensation in the body
5. Slowly rotate the body to face the other direction, pause again, and repeat the process

Chair yoga is a great opportunity to simply focus on the movement itself. Another benefit is that we can take a brief break from being at our desks focused on our laptops or staring at a television screen. In turn, this will benefit our concentration, focus and energy level. Learn more:

• The Monday Campaigns chair yoga
• Little Flower Yoga chair-based mindful movement practices

When we are mindful, we are more likely to connect more deeply with others, build trust, feel more supported and empathize with one another. When mindfulness is shared among group members, a community is more likely to thrive. In mindful communities, members experience strengthened relationships and a better understanding of the importance of interconnectedness, not only within their groups but in the larger community setting.

Identify and set shared goals to strengthen the community’s identity and purpose. Deepening relationships provides members with opportunities to know one another more fully. With these intimate connections, groups are more likely to communicate and work in unity toward their common goals. The mantra of mindful community building is “all are welcome.” Here is a list of community resources:

• Aspire Health Plan’s Facebook page
• Blue Zone’s Project – Monterey County
• Book Clubs in Monterey
• Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club
• Community Connections events (from Aspire Health Plan)
• Rotary Club (Monterey)
• Senior Clubs and Social Resources (from Aspire Health Plan)
• Silver and Fit ^® (Aspire Health and Wellness Benefits)
• United Way Monterey County

Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MSBR) says, “Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.” Remember to engage your five senses, eat with intention and attention, move with purpose and observation and connect with your community.