Stop Practice: A Mindfulness Technique

Oct 4, 2022 | Michelle Graff-Radford, HABIT Yoga Instructor | @michellegraffradford | Comments (16)

Can one minute make a difference to your life?

Mindfulness is a type of mediation in which you focus on being aware of what you are feeling and sensing in the moment, without judgement or interpretation. It is about being present and accepting with compassion the moment as it is. Practicing mindfulness has been shown to have numerous benefits: It reduces stress and anxiety, and it helps you to develop more options for solving problems and manage negative thoughts.

The STOP practice is a quick practice that you can incorporate into your day. At the first sign of being upset or stressed, practice this mindfulness self-care technique.

Stop what you are doing and take a pause.
Take three or more slow deep breaths.

This helps bring you into the present moment.

Observe your experience just as it is.

Ask yourself:

“What emotions am I feeling?” Research shows that by just naming your emotions can have a calming effect.

“What am I experiencing in my body? Am I tense or hungry?”

“What thoughts are present?”

Proceed by asking yourself “What do I need right now?” Find something that will support you in the moment: time for yourself, talking to a friend, or maybe going for a walk.

“What would be a helpful response to this situation?”

By applying mindfulness to the stresses of your day, you will be able to check in and become aware of how you are feeling and what you are thinking before you react to a situation.

Taking one minute to use this technique will help bring you into the present moment and give you the ability to better handle life and its challenges. If you can find time for a daily practice of this skill (and the Universe is good at providing you with practice!), you will develop more peace in your life.

I would love to hear if this is helpful to you.

Interested in more newsfeed posts like this? Go to the Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) blog.

tim1028 | @tim1028 | Mar 19, 2023

In reply to @heidiruth "What technique? I missed it in scrolling through the Comments." + (show)

The STOP Mindfulness Tenique explained at the beginning of this thread. I have found this very useful for countering stressful situations.

rfherald | @rfherald | Mar 20, 2023

In reply to @katherinerallishall "The STOP practice has benefited me for some time and it’s great to see that mindfulness..." + (show)

Mindfulness doesn't change anything for me. It feels good when I do it, but afterword, nothing. Is that what I should expect? It there something I'm missing? Does mindfulness work for all who try it?

wendyhobbie | @wendyhobbie | Mar 20, 2023

Thank you for this post. Having been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and arthritis at fifty Yoga practice was a huge help in allowing me to stay athletically active for another 15 years. Now I can do less stretches and positions but I survived Lymphoma and I’m still able to function with severe neuropathy from my waist down. Thanks to Yogis like you who help with relaxation and mindfulness

bobkowal | @bobkowal | Mar 14 11:57am

I did STOP. I also try to FLASH every day to reduce the onset of MCI.
F= Food, am I eating the best foods for me, veggies, whole grains, etc. Lots of references available for the best foods to eat to reduce the onset of MCI and Alzheimers.
L= Learning, did I take time to learn something new. e.g. take up a language, find a website that teaches it and go to it for five minutes or more a day
A= Action, did I exercise in some way today. A brisk walk renews the hippocampus, the center of our memory
S= Sleep, Do you get 7 or more hours of sleep every night
H= Healthy relationships, Are you getting together with other people who you enjoy being with often. Social interaction is three times more important than any of the other elements listed in FLASH.

May you FLASH every day!!
age 77 and still going strong with FLASH!

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Mar 14 7:45pm

In reply to @bobkowal "I did STOP. I also try to FLASH every day to reduce the onset of MCI...." + (show)

@bobkowal I like your comment on FLASH! I’ll keep it in mind. One thing I’d like to let you know. It’s not good to include your email when you post. If you want a member to know, it’s best to do it through Private Messaging. Because this site is public, spammers could have a field-day!

bobkowal | @bobkowal | Mar 14 8:39pm

Thank you for that advice. I am 77 and was. not born with a chip in my head like the younger set and did not realize not to do that. I have made a mental note of that and will not put my email address in public domain again. I am dealing with dementia, early stage and doing all l can to slow the progression using the elements of FLASH, and adding prayer! God is in charge, I am not in control. All I can control is my attitude and actions.