If you haven't decided on a New Year's Resolution, here is something to try - mindfulness meditation.

Everyday life is full of stress and if you are a part of the brain tumor community, there can be added stress and limitations around what you can do to alleviate it. Mindfulness meditation is an an easy and free coping strategy.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is a resource to help you start your mindfulness meditation. All that it requires is an open-mind and can-do attitude.

Let’s begin, make sure you have a 30-40 minutes on that can be as distraction-free as possible. These tips are taken from National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine’s Meditation Overview.

1. Find a quiet space - this generally makes it easier to focus and relax. This can be outside in the sunshine or on the floor in your closet, wherever you need to be for relative silence and fewer potential distractions.

2. A comfortable position - this can be sitting, lying down, standing or walking. Pick something that will remain comfortable.

3. A focus of attention - pick a quote that you like or a song lyric, visualize the sun warming you, think about a memory that makes you happy and calms you. It does not matter what you choose to focus; all that matters is that you have focus. Sometimes feelings arise and you can choose to focus on those, but remember your focus.

4. Finally, remember to have an open-mind and can do attitude. There is no wrong way to meditate and your experience is individualized and for your own wellness only.

Start slowly and try to build up to a full half hour. Try not to be discouraged if you struggle, keep at it. Spend 30 minutes investing in yourself and your feelings this week.

Let us know how you do by posting a comment.