This April, we’re focusing on mindfulness as our monthly theme.

Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment. Your thoughts, feelings, body, and surroundings with curiosity and without judgment. By living in the present instead of worrying about the past or future, you can lower stress and support your mental wellbeing.

Key aspects of mindfulness:

• Present moment: Pay attention to what’s happening right now, instead of what could happen later.
• Non-judgmental: Notice your thoughts and feelings without calling them good or bad.
• Awareness: Tune in to your body and notice physical sensations, like your breath or any tension.
• Active choice: Make a conscious effort to pause and step away from automatic thoughts.

Ways to practice mindfulness:

• Mindful eating: Slow down and really notice the smell, taste, and texture of your food.
• Sensory awareness: Take a minute to notice five things you see, four you feel, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste.
• Focused breathing: Notice how your breath feels as it moves in and out of your body.
• Mindful walking: Pay attention to your feet on the ground and notice the wind and everything around you. Try not to walk on autopilot.