Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Tips for Practicing Mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the art of having a non-judgmental and acceptance base orientation that focuses on one experience at a time.  This allows an individual to move through suffering by connecting to it. Mindfulness should be practiced daily.

Here are 5 helpful tips:
1. Pay attention to small moments. 
2. Focus on the senses.  Take time to notice what comes through your five senses: what you hear, see, smell, taste, and touch.
3. Breathe. Take time to breathe mindfully in and out.  Stay focused on the sensation of the air coming into your air passages and lungs, holding it, and then letting it out.
4. Quiet or still time. Set time aside each day to be quiet and to experience that quiet.
5. People watching.  Be a watcher of people, or of anything that might simply hold your interest.  Remember not to judge what you see.

Please take 5 minutes out of your day to practice one of these skills.  Interested in more mindfulness tips, please contact our professional counselors at 954-800-0108.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

5 Tips for Better Communication.

"Communication is a skill that you can learn. It's like riding a bicycle or typing. If you're willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life." ~Brian Tracy

1. Avoid the use of "Always" and "Never."
Example: I hate that you are "always" late.  You "never" take out the garbage.

2. Avoid the use of "You" when starting a conversation. Unless you are giving a compliment.
Example: "You" are so insensitive.  "You" did this all wrong.

3. Avoid the use of "Why" questions.
Example: "Why" did you do that?  "Why" don't you ever help with the laundry?

4. Use open ended questions.
Example: What happened?  How can I help resolve this?

5. Use "I" messages.
Example: "I" am still upset about our conversation that we had yesterday and would really like to resolve it.
"I" was really uncomfortable when you called attention to my mistake in front of everyone yesterday.

Do you have poor communication skills and need help? Call 954-800-0108 and set up a consultation with one of our skilled therapists.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

You are one step closer!

Goals take committment, consistency, and persistence.  Often times, people feel self-defeated when a goal is not accomplished immediately.  It is important to see the big picture and focus on moving forward even when a small or big hiccup comes your way.  Just remember no matter how big or small the hiccup may be, you are one step closer to accomplishing your goals, dream, or asppirations.  Dream big and make things happen for YOU!

If you need help with goal setting or life management, don't hesitate to give us a call at 954-800-0108.