Mindfulness

How much of your life is on autopilot? According to a study of people who were asked to keep daily diaries, up to 45% reported that their activities were habits they performed almost daily and usually in the same location. In other words, almost half of their lives occurred without them thinking about it.

Today, Lang is the director of the Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health at the VA San Diego Healthcare System. She’s also a professor at the University of California, San Diego. Her research and clinical work are focused on trauma-related disorders, including the use of complementary and alternative techniques, such as meditation, for treating PTSD.

Integrative oncology combines complementary practices like yoga and acupuncture with conventional cancer care. A primary goal is to help prevent or lessen side effects from chemotherapy and surgery.

Your Whole Health journey is now easier than ever with a new mobile app. It’s a free easy-to-use tool created for Veterans and others interested in taking charge of their health. User-friendly design.

Navy Veteran John Leaf experienced a lot of stress in Vietnam. He dealt with it over the years by throwing himself into his work and looking for something to hide his stress. He found help at VA.

Body mechanics refers to the way you move during daily activities. Proper body mechanics can help reduce injury and pain. Good posture strengthens your body.

Meditation may be able to help Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Learn about a meditative practice available through VA called the Mantram Repetition Program. Also compassion meditation.

Mindfulness is about giving yourself permission to slow down, to be fully engaged in the moment without judgement. Becoming aware of your surroundings, thoughts, feelings, and sensations that you might be experiencing allows you to become more thoughtful with how you respond to moments in your daily life.

Nature speaks in a universal language, understandable by all. Since we can learn about our surroundings, we can use nature to enhance our mindful awareness.

Mindful awareness is being fully aware and tuned in to what is going on right now, in the present moment. It takes time to cultivate mindful awareness, but with practice, it comes naturally.

The Seeing Lens, a photography program at Lebanon VAMC, teaches mindfulness to Veterans in recovery. Each week focuses on a different aspect of recovery and ties it to a photographic technique.

Intimate partner relationships can experience increased stress over the holidays. VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program can help. Here’s some assistance in promoting relationship wellness.