#OwnYourMindfulness with Florida Orange Juice

In a fast-paced world, where work, family, and life distractions are constant, mindfulness offers a powerful antidote. At its core, mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaging with the moment, cultivating awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.

As a vehicle and symbol of overall wellness, The Original Wellness Drink aka Florida Orange Juice, we are leaning into wellness this year. Whether that’s taking time with family in the morning over a glass of Florida Orange Juice, taking walks to reset, or nourishing our bodies with nutritious recipes featuring our favourite ingredients for flavour – yes you guessed it – OJ.

#OwnYourWellness focuses on overall health and wellness as a mantra for everyday life. The first wellness tip in our series is #OwnYourMindfulness, an easy guide to feeling more attune to your overall emotional wellbeing.

Don’t hesitate, meditate

Mindfulness through meditation is a popular practice for its profound benefits including balancing the nervous system and reducing stress.

Meditation is a routine where you observe your thoughts and emotions rather than becoming overwhelmed by them. Research shows that regular mindfulness practice can lower cortisol levels, promoting a sense of tranquility and resilience[i].

Try meditating during your morning after a nutritious breakfast and before you start your day. Let a glass of Florida OJ be a marker to begin a little 2-minute meditation practice, post breakfast. Better yet, rest and digest with a simple

Take time to settle into the present moment

Before the day gets away from you, center yourself. Maybe it’s taking a disconnected, no phone moment with the family. Perhaps it’s taking time to read a chapter of your favourite book, taking a 5-minute walk around the block, a gentle stretch, or savouring the taste of Florida Orange Juice with a nourishing breakfast.

It might even look like investing time back into your hobbies. If it’s going out and being active, crafting, or baking with Florida OJ, take the time to be aware of the moment you’re in.

Maybe these tasks seem menial or simple. But taking the time to mindfully move through your day with intention and awareness might bring more zen before launching into a busy schedule.

Take a break, take a breathe

1. Start with mindful breathing: take a few moments to focus solely on your breath, observing the sensations as you inhale and exhale. Alternatively, practice mindful eating by savouring each bite, paying attention to flavours and textures. Take deep breaths as you enjoy your breakfast. Slow down and take a sip of Florida OJ between bites to mark where you are in the meal.If you’re looking to practice a breathing exercise, start small with this helpful practice:
   1. Relax your neck and shoulders.
   2. Keeping your mouth closed, inhale slowly through your nose for 2 counts.
   3. Pucker or purse your lips as though you were going to whistle.
   4. Exhale slowly by blowing air through your pursed lips for a count of 4.

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Ultimately, embracing mindfulness is about fostering a greater connection to ourselves and the world around us. By practicing mindfulness, we can cultivate a sense of peace and clarity, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

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[i] Turakitwanakan W, Mekseepralard C, Busarakumtragul P. Effects of mindfulness meditation on serum cortisol of medical students. J Med Assoc Thai. 2013 Jan;96 Suppl 1:S90-5. PMID: 23724462.