78 South Bay Accent
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: GINNY LEBACQZ; SHUTTERSTOCK (2)
CHANNEL MINDFULNESS
Rather than focusing on what was happening right at that instant and living
in the moment, some of the sadder participants in a closely monitored
Harvard study were thinking about the past or something that had yet to
happen when regularly contacted. According to University of Massachusetts
professor Jon Kabat-Zinn, mindfulness is “the awareness that emerges
through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment.” Mindfulness
meditation entails sitting down for at least 20 minutes with your eyes
closed as you observe physical sensations, thoughts and emotions from a
distant without judgment. It can be a lifesaving habit to get into.
GIVE AND GET GLAD
Volunteering takes your mind off of yourself and your
problems and enriches your life while encouraging and
helping others. An altruistic act also gives you purpose,
direction and positive reinforcement, all of which will
combat stress and depression. In a recent study from
Carnegie Mellon University, adults over age 50 who volunteered
on a regular basis were less likely to develop
high blood pressure than non-volunteers.
GET PERSONAL
As entertaining as they may be,
Facebook posts are no substitute for
face-to-face connections. If you’re
feeling isolated despite countless
daily virtual interactions, consider
reaching out and rekindling connections
in person. There’s a reason why
“the more the merrier” is a tried and
true maxim; the simple act of spending
time with friends and family has
been shown to lift spirits and increase
emotional health and reduce
the risk of developing dementia.
VOLUNTEER
AT SAN JOSE
MUNICIPAL
ROSE GARDEN