Provider Feature // Mason Stabler of Blue Spruce Acupuncture
A Note on the Importance of Mindfulness in the Year 2021 from Blue Spruce Acupuncture
As we move further into this new and hope filled year, we are all faced with an opportunity for the type of change and growth that often only presents itself with hardship. 2020 created a unique combination of circumstances that has left our minds and bodies especially vulnerable to imbalance and disease. While stress and difficulties are not new to our lives, what made everything more difficult this past year was the fear, isolation, and in many cases inactivity (sitting at desks at home all day, hunched over some tech device) that we have all been faced with during this pandemic. Whether you identify as an introvert or an extrovert, I believe we have all come to understand just how influential community and physical connection truly are on our overall health and wellness.
Making health changes has become confusing and overwhelming in our world full of cleanses, diets, and “next big things”, so I like to keep things simple. For the sake of your time and your eyes (looking at this screen), I want to focus on mindfulness practices and stress management today, as it is so easily forgotten in our routines. We are all overstressed, overstimulated, and overwhelmed. Even if you don’t feel actively stressed or anxious, the constant stimulation to your brain from phones, computers, news, work, kids etc. is more than our nervous systems have evolved to endure. Especially after 2020. This leads to higher anxiety, less deep sleep, digestive disorders, inflammation, systemic burnout, pain patterns, and more. Our nervous systems become stuck in a sympathetic (fight or flight) state, and we start to lose the ability to transition back to the parasympathetic state (rest and digest) that is so important for our physical and mental health.
The simple fix? Slow down, breath intentionally, take time to purposefully do, watch, and listen to nothing. Our overactive mind tells us this is wasted time but it is exactly the opposite. Study after study shows that meditation and mindfulness practices reduce stress and increase productivity upon the return to more active pursuits. Our bodies need this down time to heal and recover. It doesn't have to be complicated and it will be different for each of you. Ten to twenty minutes a day makes a huge difference. This can be traditional seated meditation, yoga, tai chi, or it can be a quiet walk in the woods. No phones, no music, just ten minutes to pay attention to your body and breath. Our bodies are incredibly adept at healing themselves if you give them the time and attention to do so. If you need an extra push, try some guided meditations that can be found on apps like Headspace or Calm.
In the case that you are looking for even more support and guidance with your health this year, I am happy to provide that support in any way I can through my acupuncture practice. All my best in the year ahead. Please take the time and energy to look out for and be kind to one another. We can all use a little extra love and support these days.
Warmly,
Dr. Mason Stabler. DACM Blue Spruce Acupuncture