Mindfulness is an integrative, mind-body based approach that helps people change the way they think and feel about their experiences, especially stressful experiences.
Many of us hold stress in our shoulders. As the day becomes more stressful, our shoulders become more tense and creep up towards our ears. It is like a primitive form of contracting our muscles to spring into the fight or flight mode. The #mindfulmoment for today is to to take a moment, without judgement, to relax our shoulders and accept the feeling of restfulness that accompanies the moment.
Shoulder Relaxation
– Breath deeply and, on the exhale, allow your shoulders to drop towards the floor as if someone is pressing them downward.
– Continue to breathe deeply for five breaths, allowing your shoulders to slightly rise on the inhale and then completely drop on the exhale.
– Recognise how the muscles feel in the shoulder and neck. Remember, do not judge the tension. Just recognise it is there and release the tension.
Do this at least five times during the day.
This is particularly useful technique to use when having to deal with situations that are escalating into an argument or emotional situation. I also encourage shoulder relaxation in basic deep breathing as part of the everyday practice.
Make a mental note about this #mindfulmoment and congratulate yourself for being in the present.
Share your experiences here on the blog or on Twitter @Ed_Tmprince #MonthOfMindfulness .
*Artwork by Dikshita from Rushey Mead Academy
Education's Voice 
I’ve joined this monthly series a little late, but would like to let you know how helpful I’m finding it. I’m three weeks away from major surgery, the nerves are really kicking in, and these ‘bite sized’ exercises are just what I need. Thank you.
I am so pleased you are finding them helpful. Good luck on your surgery. Let me know if I can help.