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Mindful Monday
It’s Monday and I’m sure your inbox was filled. You’re getting pinged every couple of minutes. You may have several meetings, and you still haven’t figured out when you’re going eat, or even when to fit in a bathroom break. Is your mind bombarded with thoughts that don’t end before 10 more rush in? This is called monkey mindedness.
Monkey Mindedness occurs when we are in a constant state of multitasking. It can feel like we are never fully done with the tasks we complete. It can inhibit productivity and overall decision making, which increases stress. We usually don’t give much thought to our internal monologue unless it starts to get too loud, or becomes incoherent, which is what Monkey Mindedness is essentially.
So how do we get that monkey off your mind? If any of this is resonating with you, I want you to notice something. While reading this what is your breathing like??? Are you holding your breath? When you breathe is it with your chest or your stomach? Can you allow yourself to take a deep Inhale…. And a deep exhale? The 4x7x8 breathing exercise is highly effective and can be done at your desk.
Start by inhaling for 4 seconds; Then hold for 7 seconds; then exhale for 8 seconds; then start the process over. Do this for two minutes at your desk just repeating the 4,7,8 count. (It may be helpful to set your phones alarm for the two minutes so you can just focus on the breath count.)
You may notice that the thoughts may have started slowing down. The head may feel lighter. There may be a sense of calmness or ease. You have taken yourself out of fight, flight or freeze by giving your body enough oxygen. If you just set an alarm for your two minutes on your phone and practice this exercise at work or home, you will see significant differences when that monkey tries to play with your mind. Please leave any questions or comments below. Let me know if this exercise helped.
“Breathe Deeply, Live Fully” L.J. Lumpkin LMFT 105796