Mindfullness

Holistic-living expert and “Tao of Dana” blogger Dana Claudat shares her at-home strategies for living in the moment.

Mindfulness, or the practice of being fully present and aware, is no longer a culturally foreign concept. Its benefits are proven and numerous: boosted mood, improved relationships, creative inspiration and increased resilience.

Practicing mindfulness, on the other hand, remains a work in progress. Meditation is key, as is creating a lifestyle full of mindful habits. From taking quiet walks to nixing toxic habits like multitasking, mindfulness is a lifelong journey traveled one moment at a time. Read on for my favorite mindful methods.

1. Mood Lighting. Sunlight affects serotonin levels, which in turn affect mood, wellness and sleep. Harness the positive power of light by a.) shutting off all electronics at least two hours before bed; b.) rising with the sun and stepping outdoors for a brisk walk; and c.) gradually transitioning your indoor light bulbs to therapeutic, brain-friendly, full-spectrum LED bulbs. Speaking of happy-lighting, Himalayan salt lamps are some of the happiest. When switched on, their coral glow is thought to fill your home with negative ions, creating a more positive, calming space.

2. Tub time. As the body’s largest organ, skin is the most potent vehicle for absorbing nutrients and releasing toxins. Consider the tub your wellness headquarters; its deliciously warm water is your customizable liquid remedy. Two cups of Epsom salt added to a hot bath soothes muscles and supports sleep. One cup of baking soda regulates skin’s pH balance. A few teaspoons of powdered vitamin C purifies bath water of excessive chlorine. I keep a blend of all three in a bamboo bath caddy for easy scooping.

3. Inhaling encouraged. Do you know the powers contained in essential oils? These tiny vials of botanical distillations are like nature’s magical potion. Whether dropped into the bath or diffused throughout the house, the mood-boosting benefits of aromatherapy are scientifically proven and immediately felt. Choose oils based on their therapeutic benefit, from air-purifying lemon to invigorating peppermint.