TRIBE - 3 Top Self Care Tips: Create Balance & Enjoy Your Life And S.T.O.P Mindfulness exercise.

While undergoing any form of counselling, whether it be one-to one, group work or support groups, it is important to connect to what is happening to the whole self during sessions and  especially during all of the time in between.

Often people expect that the time spent with the counsellor or group facilitator is when most of the therapeutic work takes place. In fact, it is during the time away from the session that the material that may have come up for an individual may become of more importance to the person. It is during this time that a person might be triggered, remember new material or have a deeper relationship with a particular topic. 

Triggering, remembering and feeling a stronger relationship to a difficult topic can be a frightening experience. It is very important at this time to understand that the topic itself can not harm you. You are safe. You may experience some internal or biological discomfort. At this time it is important to regulate by engaging in a simple S.T.O.P. mindfulness exercise. 

• STOP what you’re doing.

• TAKE a few deep breaths, focusing on the sensations of your breathing. This helps reconnect you with the present moment and also creates a buffer between your thoughts and your actions.

• OBSERVE what is going on. Ask yourself:

• What am I thinking?

• What am I feeling?

• What am I doing?

• What are my intentions?

• PROCEED with your day with this new sense of mindful awareness (based on how you answered the questions above.

If your feelings and body experiences are more than you can handle, call a trusted friend and make your way to a safe place. Ask for help and continue to practice S. (stop), T. (take a few deep breaths in and out), O. (observe what is going on for you),  until you are able to reach the point where you can P. proceed.

Live your Bliss Mairead