The Watch Now https://thewatchnow.com/ Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:44:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://thewatchnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/cropped-Favicon-the-watch-black-1-32x32.png The Watch Now https://thewatchnow.com/ 32 32 Living in the Moment with NOWATCH: A Journey towards Mindfulness https://thewatchnow.com/why-nowatch/ https://thewatchnow.com/why-nowatch/#respond Tue, 28 Feb 2023 11:02:02 +0000 https://thewatchnow.com/?p=7161 Leestijd: 2 minuten | The world we live in today is constantly on the move, and it seems like time is never enough. We are always in a hurry, running from one task to another, trying to keep up with the fast pace of life. But have you ever truly stopped to think about what that constant rush is […]

The post Living in the Moment with NOWATCH: A Journey towards Mindfulness appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
Leestijd: 2 minuten |

The world we live in today is constantly on the move, and it seems like time is never enough. We are always in a hurry, running from one task to another, trying to keep up with the fast pace of life. But have you ever truly stopped to think about what that constant rush is doing to your mental and physical health? With this thought in mind, The Watch Now was developed. It’s a unique watch that doesn’t display the time, but instead shows the word “NOW.” It’s a powerful reminder to live in the moment and appreciate those moments a little more.

The Bold Collection

The Classic Bold collection of nowatch is designed for those who like to make a statement. It’s bold, it’s daring, and it’s a true representation of what nowatch is all about. The watch comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose the one that best represents your personality. The Classic Fine collection is for those who appreciate a more refined look. It’s an elegant and sophisticated piece of jewelry that still carries the same powerful message.

The Exclusive collection is for those who want to take their nowatch experience to the next level. This collection is a limited edition developed in a luxurious design. Whether you’re wearing it to work or just for a casual day out, an item from this collection is sure to turn heads.

Why wear a NOWATCH?

But why should you wear nowatch? Living in the moment is essential for our well-being. We often get so caught up in our daily routines that we forget to appreciate the little things in life. nowatch reminds us to slow down and live more consciously, enjoying the present. It’s a subtle reminder to take a moment and be present in what we’re doing right now.

The idea of living in the moment is not new, but nowatch brings it to life in a tangible and accessible way. By wearing the watch, you create more moments of awareness and will go through life in a more relaxed way. Enjoy

The post Living in the Moment with NOWATCH: A Journey towards Mindfulness appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
https://thewatchnow.com/why-nowatch/feed/ 0
How to find comfort in solitude https://thewatchnow.com/comfort-in-solitude/ https://thewatchnow.com/comfort-in-solitude/#respond Tue, 17 Jan 2023 18:07:01 +0000 https://thewatchnow.com/?p=7064 Leestijd: 3 minuten | Below, I have listed some tips for people who struggle with being alone. With these calming activities, you can learn how to find comfort in solitude – even when you have a tendency to get anxious. Try these calming activities and learn to find comfort in solitude #1. Develop (or improve) your morning routine Those […]

The post How to find comfort in solitude appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
Leestijd: 3 minuten |

Below, I have listed some tips for people who struggle with being alone. With these calming activities, you can learn how to find comfort in solitude – even when you have a tendency to get anxious.

Try these calming activities and learn to find comfort in solitude

#1. Develop (or improve) your morning routine

Those who are not used to being alone often have troubles ‘getting stuff done’ – usually because of the (sudden) absence of social control. I suggest setting up a morning routine for yourself. It’s totally up to you what that morning routine looks like. My personal advice would be to get up around the same time every day, which benefits your circadian rhythm and sleep quality. Maybe you like to take my morning coffee outside and listen to the world waking up around you. Make a to-do list. Set an intention for the day. See what works for you and what doesn’t. Are there certain tasks that you need to do every day, like walk the dog, feed the cat or check your work emails? Try to incorporate those tasks in your morning routine. Getting them out of the way early on means you can let them go for the rest of the day, which helps to reduce anxiety and create more headspace.

#2. Take time to stretch

While I personally like to stretch in the morning because it helps to wake up physically and ‘ease into the day’, some people benefit from doing this later in the day or before bed. Either way, you should definitely try to stretch every day. Stretching (especially when done by moving with the breath) is a great way to connect with your body, activate your muscles and release any tension. Don’t worry about flexibility or not being able to perform certain stretches. Nobody is watching, so there is no judgement. It’s all about what makes you feel good.

#3. Go for a walk

Even on the laziest days it is important to get some fresh air, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. During the fall and winter, try to get out between 11 and 3 pm, or at least when it is light outside. This can make a huge difference for your mood and energy levels, especially when you’re struggling with SAD. The benefits of walking are even greater when you make it a mindful walk. This is one of the best things you can do to find comfort in solitude.

#4. Declutter

Decluttering something usually means that it has to get messy before it gets organized. Having someone in your way will not make the process any easier. That’s why decluttering is a great thing to do during your alone time! Don’t try to do it all at once though; just pick one thing (your wardrobe or your pantry, for example) and focus on that. Getting it done will give you a dopamine boost. Plus, living in a clean and decluttered space lowers your stress levels and contributes to your well-being. Got some time left? Consider creating your own mindfulness corner.

#5. Reflect on your goals

Use your alone-time to reflect on your goals. Grab a notebook and a pen, write down what you want to accomplish in the long run regarding various aspects of your life. Then break down those goals down into smaller, more concrete steps. Also make a list of the progress you’ve already made, and reflect on the things you can do better.

#6. Try a sound bath

Do a Google search to see if there are any wellness centres in your area where you can participate in a sound bath. This a very relaxing activity that’s perfect to do on your own. A sound bath is a deeply-immersive, therapeutic experience that uses sounds to calm your body and mind.

#7. Make time for self-care

Self-care is often one of the things that get pushed to the back-burner when we are in the company of others. So why not use your time alone to give your #1 some TLC? Prep an at-home spa night for yourself. Take a long bath, do a face mask, cut your nails, give yourself a pedicure and slather on your favourite body oil. You’ll be warm and relaxed when it’s time for bed. And with a little luck, you’ll sleep like a baby.

The post How to find comfort in solitude appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
https://thewatchnow.com/comfort-in-solitude/feed/ 0
How to let go of the need for control https://thewatchnow.com/how-to-let-go-of-your-need-for-control/ https://thewatchnow.com/how-to-let-go-of-your-need-for-control/#respond Tue, 10 Jan 2023 12:03:31 +0000 https://thewatchnow.com/?p=6977 Leestijd: 3 minuten | A couple of years ago, I noticed that when I was very stressed, I became a total control freak. During times in my life where I was confronted with professional uncertainty or financial worries, I had a tendency to get obsessive with eating healthy and exercising. Looking back, it seemed that the lack of control […]

The post How to let go of the need for control appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
Leestijd: 3 minuten |

A couple of years ago, I noticed that when I was very stressed, I became a total control freak. During times in my life where I was confronted with professional uncertainty or financial worries, I had a tendency to get obsessive with eating healthy and exercising. Looking back, it seemed that the lack of control I had over specific aspects, needed to be ‘compensated’ with excessive control over aspects that I COULD control. Unsurprisingly, this did absolutely nothing to solve the problems I had in other areas. In fact, it only caused more stress. Being a control freak is absolutely exhausting. And it often takes a full breakdown or burnout to turn things around. While I still sometimes struggle to ‘let go’, I have learned to identify my triggers. Do you ever feel like you’re a bit of a control freak or a perfectionist, or wish you weren’t as uptight? Read on to find out how you can use mindfulness to let go of that constant need for control.

Why you need to deal with an unhealthy need for control

Have you ever thought: “If only I could fix my [diet/relationship/work situation/finances/mental health/looks/car], everything in my life would be so much better”? It’s very common, especially in a modern society where there are so much expectations. You’re supposed to be educated, get a job, pay your bills, save money, feed yourself, take care of your personal hygiene, run a household, exercise, look representable, stay up-to-date on current events, spend time with your family, have a social life, and create time to relax. This can be extremely overwhelming, especially when something happens that makes you realize you don’t have as much as control over your life as you’d like. That is a part of being human. But it can trigger a sense of powerlessness, causing you to start over-managing things. Sooner or later, both your physical and mental health will suffer.

Tips for control freaks: how to let go, step by step

If you suspect you have an unhealthy need for control, it is very important to deal with this. Below, we’ve listed a few suggestions to help you find back a healthy balance:

#1. Ask yourself where that need for control is coming from

An unhealthy need for control is often rooted in unresolved issues. It could be a childhood where abuse, neglect or a highly critical caregiver were an issue, or PTSD due to trauma that occurred later in life. These kinds of issues are often buried in our subconscious, and you may have to dig deep to find out where your control issues are coming from.

#2. Be aware of your own thoughts and feelings

Often times, we don’t notice an increased need for control until we are already in full control-freak mode. In order to prevent yourself from going there, you need to become more aware of your own thoughts and feelings. This is something you can practice. It helps to keep a journal (even if it is just a line a day) and write down the feelings (anxiety, joy, worry, compassion, anger, gratitude, sadness, etc.) you experienced that day.

#3. Identify your triggers

Try to identify what situations or events trigger your excessive need for control. Make sure you also pay attention to physical responses, like when and where you hold tension in your body. Write down your triggers. It may not be realistic to avoid all triggering situations and events, but simply knowing when you need to be alert makes a big difference.

#4. Use visualisation to let go of negative emotions

Once you have identified your triggers, you can recognize them and change the way you respond to them. Whenever you feel that you start to spiral, try to shift your mindset. Visualisation is a powerful tool to help you do this. If you’re triggered by anxiety in anticipation to an event, for example, try to visualize putting that anxiety into a balloon and letting it float away. Breathing exercises also help; they calm both your mind and your body.

#5. Don’t rush your transition

Despite your best efforts, you may still occasionally find yourself going down the rabbit hole of unhealthy control. When that happens, pause and take a breath. Don’t beat yourself up for not recognizing your triggers – be kind to yourself. Old habits can be hard to shake, but with patience and practice you can learn to let go of the things that no longer serve you.

The post How to let go of the need for control appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
https://thewatchnow.com/how-to-let-go-of-your-need-for-control/feed/ 0
Exercising mindfully: How to bring more mindfulness into your workouts https://thewatchnow.com/exercising-mindfully/ https://thewatchnow.com/exercising-mindfully/#respond Tue, 03 Jan 2023 15:23:38 +0000 https://thewatchnow.com/?p=6959 Leestijd: 3 minuten | Whether you’re a die-hard gym bunny or someone that has not yet found the motivation to do regular workouts, exercising mindfully is for everyone. In this blogpost, we’ll explore the benefits of exercising mindfully and give you some tips on how to get started.  The benefits of exercising mindfully Let’s get one thing straight: there […]

The post Exercising mindfully: How to bring more mindfulness into your workouts appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
Leestijd: 3 minuten |

Whether you’re a die-hard gym bunny or someone that has not yet found the motivation to do regular workouts, exercising mindfully is for everyone. In this blogpost, we’ll explore the benefits of exercising mindfully and give you some tips on how to get started. 

The benefits of exercising mindfully

Let’s get one thing straight: there is absolutely nothing wrong with listening to that playlist you’ve been obsessing about and going for a run. There is also nothing wrong with letting your thoughts wander while you’re working up a sweat on the exercise bike. However, not all your workouts should be on autopilot. When you’re constantly letting yourself get distracted during training, you will lose the connection with your body and your movements.Consequents: less effective workouts, hitting a plateau, not the progress you were hoping for. So I’d like to propose a challenge. Why not switch up those mindless workouts with exercising mindfully?

Exercising mindfully can help to perform better, improve technique/form, prevent injuries, get more in tune with your body and stick to your workout plan (okay, so maybe this blogpost is a little bit about sticking to your new year’s resolutions!). Furthermore, mindful exercise also strengthens a part of your body that you don’t really use when you’re zoning out – the part that’s between your ears.

How to bring more mindfulness into your workouts

Below, we’ve listed five tips to help you bring more mindfulness into your workouts:

#1. Set an intention before every training

Before you start a training, take a minute or two to set an intention for the workout you’re about to do. I’m not going to tell you what kind of intention it should be, because that’s totally personal, but try to narrow it down to a single sentence. If you think you’re going to forget about the intention because you are so used to training on autopilot, write your intention on your hand or on a piece of paper that you stick in a place where you can see it.

#2. Concentrate on your breath

Good breathing is crucial for cardio, but you should also pay attention to your breath during other forms of exercise, like weight training. Are you breathing correctly? Are you moving with the breath? How long does it take for your breath to go back to normal once you’re done with a set?

#3. Bring more awareness to your body

When you notice you’re losing focus, bring your attention back to your body. It’s very normal for your mind to wander – you may be thinking about the things you have planned after your training, or the next day. It’s a matter of learning to identify when it happens, and then simply steer your thoughts back to what your body is doing.

#4. Create some space for limited-distraction workouts

Like I mentioned before, there is really nothing wrong with doing a workout and letting your thoughts go where they want to go. But I’d recommend trying to alternate your regular workouts with ‘limited-distraction workouts’. If you’re easily distracted, start with a quiet home workout or go for a run very early in the morning, when the rest of the world is still asleep. From there, you can gradually expand to other environments.

#5. When you’re done, check in with yourself

What do you usually do when you finish training? Do you have a habit of rushing all the time, causing you to get straight back to the daily grind in order to tackle the tasks on your never ending to-do list? A lot of people do this! But if you want to get all the benefits of exercising mindfully, you should try to take at least a couple of minutes after your training to check in with yourself. How does your body feel now compared to before your training? Where you as focused as you wanted to be? Did you stick with that intention that you wrote down? A quick check-in also serves as a transition moment between your workout and the rest of your day.

Even if you are unable to work out or simply don’t want to, you can still benefit from exercising mindfully. Try these 7 steps toward a mindful walk!

The post Exercising mindfully: How to bring more mindfulness into your workouts appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
https://thewatchnow.com/exercising-mindfully/feed/ 0
10 different meditation styles https://thewatchnow.com/10-different-meditation-styles/ https://thewatchnow.com/10-different-meditation-styles/#respond Tue, 27 Dec 2022 05:00:00 +0000 https://thewatchnow.com/?p=6876 Leestijd: 2 minuten | Below, we’ve listed 10 well-known meditation styles for you to explore. The different styles don’t fit in neat boxes; there is a lot of overlap between them. And no, there is no meditation style that is universally recognized as ‘the best’. It’s all about discovering what works well for you! 10 different meditation styles you […]

The post 10 different meditation styles appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
Leestijd: 2 minuten |

Below, we’ve listed 10 well-known meditation styles for you to explore. The different styles don’t fit in neat boxes; there is a lot of overlap between them. And no, there is no meditation style that is universally recognized as ‘the best’. It’s all about discovering what works well for you!

10 different meditation styles you can try

#1. Guided meditation

Guided meditation is one of the meditation styles that offer beginners a great way to get started with the practice. It is basically letting a teacher guide you through the meditation. That could be in person, but you can also use an app or listen to a YouTube video. We’d recommend trying out some courses by different teachers and see which one you like and connect with the most.

#2. Present-moment meditation

Present-moment meditation, also called mindfulness meditation, is what we write about most on this blog. While it can take on many forms, it is essentially about training yourself to get out of your own head and use your senses to become (more) aware of your current physical state and/or immediate surroundings.

#3. Visualization meditation

During visualization meditation, you close your eyes and picture something in your mind that you’re going to focus on. It could be an object or a person. Visualisation is very powerful and is also used to manifest abundance and other things that you want in life.

#4. Metta meditation

This meditation style is also known as ‘loving kindness’ meditation. It’s about bringing awareness to certain people in your life. Whether you choose someone you like or dislike, it’s always about directing positive energy towards them.

#5. Mantra meditation

Mantra meditation is about formulating a mantra and repeating it. Your mantra could be a single word or a full sentence, a chant or an affirmation – it does not really matter, as long as it resonates with you. If you want to try it out, these five phrases to tell yourself in the mirror are a good way to get started.

#6. Observation meditation

This meditation style, sometimes also referred to as ‘five senses meditation’ is all about observing sensory stimuli. I’ve written a blogpost about observation meditation that explains a bit more about the concept.

#7. Candle-gazing meditation

Candle gazing, also called ‘trataka’, is one of the meditation styles where you keep your eyes open and focus on a specific point. This could be the flame of a candle, but you can also use something like a crystal or a piece of jewellery. The idea is that you focus on the object without blinking.

#8. Transcendental meditation

Transcendental meditation is a meditation style that requires you to find a certified teacher, who will guide you through a 20 minute meditation – usually once or twice a day. The idea that doing this on a daily basis will ultimately help you to transcend your current state of being.

#9. Vipassana meditation

Vipassana literally means ‘seeing things as they really are’. This meditation style, also called ‘insight meditation’, requires you to examine all aspects of your existence by observing both physical and mental sensations that arise during a session.

#10. Zen meditation

Zen meditation, also known as ‘zazen’, is an ancient Buddhist practice that involves sitting upright (with your legs crossed or in lotus pose) and following your breath. Instead of focusing on something specific like a mantra, an object or a visualized person, the idea is to train a general awareness.

The post 10 different meditation styles appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
https://thewatchnow.com/10-different-meditation-styles/feed/ 0
How to practice the lengthened breathing technique to fall asleep faster   https://thewatchnow.com/lengthened-breathing-technique-for-sleep/ https://thewatchnow.com/lengthened-breathing-technique-for-sleep/#respond Tue, 20 Dec 2022 05:00:00 +0000 https://thewatchnow.com/?p=6855 Leestijd: 2 minuten | How does the lengthened breathing technique work? The lengthened breathing technique is basically deeply and slowly inhaling through your nose, and then exhaling through your mouth while making sure the duration of the exhale is twice as long as the inhale. That means you will have to count along in your head. How can this […]

The post How to practice the lengthened breathing technique to fall asleep faster   appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
Leestijd: 2 minuten |

How does the lengthened breathing technique work?

The lengthened breathing technique is basically deeply and slowly inhaling through your nose, and then exhaling through your mouth while making sure the duration of the exhale is twice as long as the inhale. That means you will have to count along in your head.

How can this technique help me to fall asleep faster?

In our recent blogpost about the connection between breath and sleep, we explained how feelings of stress and anxiety trigger our ‘fight or flight’ response. This results in fast, short and superficial breathing and an increased heart rate. When that happens, it becomes very hard to fall asleep, even if you’re very tired. Practicing lengthened breathing is the most straightforward way to signal to your parasympathetic system that everything is okay and that it is time to relax. Once you feel that you’re starting to calm down, it will be significantly easier to make the transition to sleep. An additional benefit of this exercise is that you have to focus on the count and your breath. This prevents your thoughts from drifting off, meaning you can’t keep yourself awake by ruminating and overthinking.

How do I start with the lengthened breath technique?

Once you’re in bed, lie on your back with your arms down your side. Make sure you are in a comfortable position and close your eyes.

If you’re not familiar with breathing exercises, I would suggest starting out with a three second inhale. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose, while counting to three in your head. If you notice that you’re rushing the count, it may help to imagine a clock and follow along with the seconds hand. On the top of your inhale, open your mouth slightly and then slowly breathe out through your mouth while counting to six in your head. Repeat this until you feel that your breath is better lined up with your mental counting.

Take a few seconds to check in with yourself. Do you already feel calmer than before you stepped into bed?

Now, let’s lengthen your breath a little more. Instead of three/six, try a four second inhale and an eight second exhale. Again try to keep your mental count steady. And while your breaths should be deep, make sure you’re not forcing anything. You shouldn’t be pushing your exhalations beyond your current natural capacity. Repeat this a couple of times.

If you’re still awake at this point, check in with yourself again. If you want, you can proceed to a five/ten second lengthened breath, but if you feel that the four/eight works for you at this point, you can also stick with that one.

Final thoughts

I recommend doing this every evening before you go to sleep. Like with other exercises, you will get better at it the more you practice. After a while, your parasympathetic system will also respond more quickly to the signals you are sending it. Sweet dreams!

The post How to practice the lengthened breathing technique to fall asleep faster   appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
https://thewatchnow.com/lengthened-breathing-technique-for-sleep/feed/ 0
17 things you can do to be more mindful on an average day https://thewatchnow.com/be-more-mindful-on-an-average-day/ https://thewatchnow.com/be-more-mindful-on-an-average-day/#respond Tue, 13 Dec 2022 05:00:00 +0000 https://thewatchnow.com/?p=6846 Leestijd: 3 minuten | Below, we’ve listed some very easy things you can do to go about your day in a more mindful way – without actually needing to reserve time for them. What you can do to be more mindful on an average day #1. When you make your first coffee in the morning, take a few seconds […]

The post 17 things you can do to be more mindful on an average day appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
Leestijd: 3 minuten |

Below, we’ve listed some very easy things you can do to go about your day in a more mindful way – without actually needing to reserve time for them.

What you can do to be more mindful on an average day

#1. When you make your first coffee in the morning, take a few seconds to smell that freshly brewed cuppa.

#2. Do you always take a look in the mirror before you leave the house? Pick one of these five phrase to tell yourself in the mirror.

#3. As soon as you step outside, stop for a second and inhale the fresh air.

#4. Look at the sky. Is it a cloudy day? Give a name to that shade of grey. It might be a different shade of grey than yesterday or tomorrow. If there’s a clear sky, name that specific hue of blue.

#5. Pick a stranger you pass on the street. If you manage to make eye contact, smile (just… not in a creepy way). Maybe you can even say a friendly hi.

#6. If you walk past a bakery, stop for a moment and take in the scent of freshly baked bread. 

#7. Every time you have to climb stairs, slow down and pay attention. Can you feel which muscles have to do the most work? Is there a banister, and if so, are you using it to support yourself? How are the soles of your feet making contact with the steps? Are you out of breath when you get upstairs?

#8. When you feel the urge to snack, check in with yourself first. Why do you want something to eat right now? Are you actually hungry? Low on energy? Stress-eating? Or could it be that you’re just bored?

#9. Remind yourself at least once today to drop your shoulders and relax your jaw. These are the two parts of your bodies that tend to hold most tension when we get anxious or stressed.

#10. Take at least one moment during the day to be alone, even if it’s just for a bathroom break. Use that moment of solitude to check in with yourself.

#11. In the afternoon, observe the weather. What’s it like now compared to this morning, when you gave a name to the colour of the sky? Try to use more of your senses than just your eyes. Can you estimate the temperature?

#12. When doing the dishes, focus on your senses. The sound of the running water, the sensation of your warm and wet hands, the scent of the dishwashing soap.

#13. When you sit down to eat, remind yourself to eat mindfully. Slow down. Take the time to chew your food and pay attention to tastes, textures and smells before you swallow.

#14. When brushing your teeth before you go to bed, don’t let your thoughts drift like you always do. Focus on the taste of your toothpaste, the feeling of foam in your mouth, the movements of your hand. Are you getting to those teeth in the back your dentist said deserve more attention?

#15. Light a candle. Take a couple of seconds to watch the flickering of the flame.

#16. When getting undressed before bed, try to be mindful about it. What are you taking off first? How do the materials of your clothes feel against your skin? Does the smell your clothes remind you of what you did that day? Where are you leaving your socks?

#17. Once you’re in bed, take a couple of deep breaths. Every time you exhale, imagine breathing out all the things that affected you negatively during the day. Chances are you’ll drift off in no time.

The post 17 things you can do to be more mindful on an average day appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
https://thewatchnow.com/be-more-mindful-on-an-average-day/feed/ 0
How to spend the holidays mindfully https://thewatchnow.com/how-to-spend-the-holidays-mindfully/ https://thewatchnow.com/how-to-spend-the-holidays-mindfully/#respond Tue, 06 Dec 2022 05:00:00 +0000 https://thewatchnow.com/?p=6865 Leestijd: 3 minuten | There’s unrealistic expectations, ridiculous expenses, forced get-togethers, six-course dinners with barely anything you can eat without getting an allergic reaction, family drama and not to mention more stress than during the rest of the year. If you’re overwhelmed already, read on to find out what you can do to spend this year’s holidays mindfully – […]

The post How to spend the holidays mindfully appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
Leestijd: 3 minuten |

There’s unrealistic expectations, ridiculous expenses, forced get-togethers, six-course dinners with barely anything you can eat without getting an allergic reaction, family drama and not to mention more stress than during the rest of the year. If you’re overwhelmed already, read on to find out what you can do to spend this year’s holidays mindfully – without feeling the urge to disappear until it’s all over.

Spend the holidays mindfully with these tips

 

#1. Don’t be afraid to say “no”

One of the primary causes of holiday stress is caused by the fact that we’re spreading ourselves too thin. There is really no reason to accept every invitation that you get, especially not if that means you won’t have any time left for yourself. Be okay with kindly declining. “No” is a complete sentence. You do not owe anybody an explanation about why you won’t be there. And if you’re afraid of FOMO, don’t worry; that will melt away once you’re snuggled up on the couch in your pyjama’s. Because let’s be honest, isn’t that the most relaxed way to spend the holidays?

#2. Try something completely different

Having a big Christmas dinner at someone’s house is sort of the go-to plan. But it can be very refreshing to try something completely different for a change. Why not invite the fam over for a long walk through the woods combined with a picnic where everyone brings something homemade? Or maybe just a stroll on the beach with some hot chocolate afterwards to warm up? These are plans that don’t involve hours in the kitchen or losing the entire day after cleaning up the mess everyone left behind. Plus, getting outside and moving are two things we’re not doing enough in this time of year, so it’s a win for everyone.

#3. Volunteer

Something else you can do differently this year? Volunteer! See if you can pick up a shift at your local soup kitchen, organise something at the community centre or maybe (if you prefer animals over people) help out at the shelter. Helping those less fortunate is something you can do by yourself, but who knows? Maybe you can even convince some family members, friends or neighbours to join you! It’s a great way to bond!

#4. Make time for self-care

The holidays are all about compassion for others. Which is great, except that we often forget ourselves in the process. So plan in some self-care time – yes, actually put it in your agenda, so that nobody can take it away from you. Do whatever you like. Meditate, do yoga, spend time in your mindfulness corner, get a haircut, treat yourself to a massage or a sauna day or try one of these self-care ideas. However, maybe the best way to care for yourself right now is simply going to bed early. It’s all up to you. And don’t forget that these acts of self-care are no less important than what you invest in others.

#5. Allow yourself to feel everything

A good way to spend the holidays mindfully is to let go of expectations. But that’s easier said than done, and feelings seem to be amplified in this time of year. That’s okay! Instead of suppressing those feelings and putting on a fake smile, just allow yourself to feel it all. Whether it’s joy, sadness, compassion, disappointment, connection, social anxiety, gratitude, frustration, security, resentment, love, or something else entirely, just let it in. However, instead of getting wrapped up in your feelings, try to simply observe them. Maybe you even feel comfortable enough to share them with your loved ones.

The post How to spend the holidays mindfully appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
https://thewatchnow.com/how-to-spend-the-holidays-mindfully/feed/ 0
The connection between breath and sleep https://thewatchnow.com/the-connection-between-breath-and-sleep/ https://thewatchnow.com/the-connection-between-breath-and-sleep/#respond Tue, 29 Nov 2022 05:00:00 +0000 https://thewatchnow.com/?p=6832 Leestijd: 2 minuten | If you can’t sleep, doing some breathing exercises may make a big difference. But before we get into those, let’s take a look at how breath and sleep are connected. How are breath and sleep connected?   The ‘fight or flight’ response The average human takes between 20.000 and 25.000 breaths per day. Most of […]

The post The connection between breath and sleep appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
Leestijd: 2 minuten |

If you can’t sleep, doing some breathing exercises may make a big difference. But before we get into those, let’s take a look at how breath and sleep are connected.

How are breath and sleep connected?

 

The ‘fight or flight’ response

The average human takes between 20.000 and 25.000 breaths per day. Most of the time, we don’t give them a second thought. Breathing is one of our unconscious bodily functions, just like our heart rate and digestion. It is regulated by our autonomic nervous system, which is also responsible for triggering our acute stress response – better known as ‘fight or flight’. We inherited this ‘fight or flight’ response from our ancestors, who needed it to survive. Once triggered, the body instantly goes into survival mode, preparing itself to either fight or flee. Breathing becomes rapid and shallow in order to increase the oxygen intake.

A threat is a threat

One could say that if our ancestors had not been equipped with ‘fight or flight’, we wouldn’t even be here today. But in this modern era, most of us do not experience life-threatening situations on a daily basis. We may stress about work, finances, relationships, family issues, rising energy prices and politics, but we don’t have to escape from predators that are an immediate threat to our lives. The part of our brain that triggers the ‘fight or flight’ response seems unaware of our relatively safe lives, because it responds to every threat in the same way. It doesn’t matter whether it is a physical threat or psychological threat (i.e. something you’re worrying about). Sometimes, it does not even distinguish real threats from imagined ones. They are all followed by your nervous system being stimulated and your ‘fight or flight’ response getting triggered. This also occurs when we are just a little bit too stressed. And when that happens, you can forget about sleep.

Sending back the right signals

Fortunately, you do have some control over your sympathetic nervous system. It basically comes down to sending back the right signals, telling it that everything is okay. If you succeed, your ‘rest and digest’ mode will be activated, and your body will calm down enough to fall asleep. The best way to send the right signals, is by deep, relaxed breathing. Taking slow and low inhales through your nose and exhaling through your mouth slows down your heart rate and reduces your blood pressure. Your muscles relax.

Because breathing is something we do not often think about, it can be difficult to be determine how you should breathe to calm down your nervous system. Breathing exercises to sleep better can help – these 3 super easy breathing techniques for beginners are perfect to get you started.

 

The post The connection between breath and sleep appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
https://thewatchnow.com/the-connection-between-breath-and-sleep/feed/ 0
Bring yourself back to the Now in 3 easy steps https://thewatchnow.com/back-to-the-now-in-3-easy-steps/ https://thewatchnow.com/back-to-the-now-in-3-easy-steps/#respond Tue, 22 Nov 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://thewatchnow.com/?p=6823 Leestijd: 2 minuten | If you’re reading this, it is safe to assume you’re open to leading a life where you are more present. But old habits can be hard to break and our current society is simply very demanding. Also, because mindfulness can be quite a subjective concept, you may find it hard to determine where to start. […]

The post Bring yourself back to the Now in 3 easy steps appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
Leestijd: 2 minuten |

If you’re reading this, it is safe to assume you’re open to leading a life where you are more present. But old habits can be hard to break and our current society is simply very demanding. Also, because mindfulness can be quite a subjective concept, you may find it hard to determine where to start. We’d like to gently lead you in the right direction. Below are 3 easy steps you can follow anytime and anywhere to bring yourself back to the Now.

How to bring yourself back to the Now

Step 1: Take on the role of Observer

The first step to bringing yourself back to the Now is to become the Observer of your own mind. In other words: take a minute to notice what it is that you’re feeling and thinking. The challenge here is to do it without judgement. Let’s say you notice your mind keeps drifting back to that comment your colleague made at work the other day. Do not judge yourself for thinking about it. Do not push the thought away. But also, do not let yourself get carried away by it. Simply observe, and accept that the thought is there.

Step 2: Get out of your own head and into your body

For the second step, I’d like you to shift your attention away from your thoughts and start focusing on your body and how it feels. If you keep getting distracted by your own ruminations, you may struggle to connect with your body. In that case, start by focusing on your breath. Every time you notice your thoughts start to wander, simply bring them back to your breath. With practice, it will become easier to shift that focus to your body. As a result, your body will start to serve as your anchor to the Now.

Step 3: Stop resisting and surrender

After you’ve spend a minute or two observing your thoughts and connecting to your body, make a conscious decision to stop resisting. Let go of any negative thoughts and feelings and accept the things that you are simply not able to change. Then, surrender to the Now. Keep in mind that there is no wrong or right here. You are doing it, and that is enough.

Final thoughts

The first couple of times that you follow these three steps, you may not experience an effect that satisfies you. In fact, it may even feel extremely frustrating. But over time, bringing yourself back to the Now will become like a second nature and you will reap the benefits.

No time for meditation? Use these 5 daily routines to practise mindfulness

The post Bring yourself back to the Now in 3 easy steps appeared first on The Watch Now.

]]>
https://thewatchnow.com/back-to-the-now-in-3-easy-steps/feed/ 0