How to use your body to soothe your mind.

Calm Practice

Mindful Bite

We can often eat on the run or on autopilot. While eating mindfully for an entire meal would be a great goal to strive for, starting with a mindful bite is an effective first step.

It’s simple. Right before you take the first bite of a meal, pause:

• What smells👃🏻do you notice?
• What colors and textures can you see in your food?
• How does the food feel in your hand 🖐️? Or how does the fork🍴feel between your fingers?
• Take a bite and hold the food in your mouth  or a moment. What is the texture, taste and/or temperature?
• Slowly chew and swallow the food, continuing to describe the sensory experience. 

Now you are free to eat the rest of your meal however you like! 😂

*Hint: If you are feeling anxious, chewing gum, sucking sour candy, eating strong mints or sipping water can help you feel calm again.

Reference

Ballagh, R. (2024). Mindful bite. 101 Ways to Find Calm: How to Use Your Body to Soothe Your Mind. P. 182-183.