Go ahead and set some behavioral goals if you feel like it. But I’m not going to focus too much on those things for 2021…….For me, this year, it’s hard to think too much about doing when merely being in the world asks a lot of us.

With all this talk about it - and some would say too much talk about it - you may find yourself wondering if the concept of mindfulness has been overdone, and what it even means at this point? At the risk of adding to the pile of materials on the topic, I’m writing about it today, because I think simple strategies for presence and self-care are essential during stressful times (like in a pandemic), and mindfulness fits the bill.

Few things rival diaphragmatic breathing for its simplicity and therapeutic payoff. I’ve made a short video to share some of the health benefits of deep breathing with you, including how it helps us to move out of the stress response, aka “fight or flight,” and into the relaxation response. And I’ve included a short demonstration. Enjoy!

Today I write during what is an unprecedented time of new experience as we cope with the changes brought about by the novel Coronavirus. It can be scary and humbling to see daily reports of the disease’s spread, and to have widespread cancelation of our usual, everyday activities.