Mindfulness is the ability to stay fully present in the current moment and has been shown to improve everything from decreased stress and sadness to increased levels of focus and happiness. Given all that is happening around us, we decided to jumpstart Mental Health Awareness Month a month early by compiling a list of five mindfulness activities that can be enjoyed with cannabis to help you stay present and mindful. Enjoy!

Meditation

Medicate and meditate - it’s like they were meant to go together! Some folks have the misconception that meditation requires sitting still and not thinking for a long period of time. Meditation is not about the absence of thought, but rather being able to watch your thoughts go by. Meditation can help individuals sleep better, cope with some symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, reduce some of the psychological difficulties associated with chronic pain, and even improve some cognitive and behavioral functions. Start with five minutes a day for a week, and see how it feels! 

“I meditate every day for ten minutes. It allows me to focus on taking a moment for myself where nothing is required except enjoying the company of my breath and the present moment. Some days are easier than others, but ultimately learning that my thoughts are nothing more than thoughts, and how to let them pass without attachment has been critical to coping with my anxiety!” -Laila Makled (@play_boy_laila), Advocacy Committee Chair, National Cannabis Festival

Listening to Music

Enjoy an intimate concert with yourself and Mary Jane. When was the last time you pulled up an album of your favorite artist, put on your headphones, and just sat back and enjoyed the tunes? Set up your favorite chair, or lie down in your bed, select an artist or album that moves you, and put your phone away. Commit to listening to an entire album, focusing on the lyrics, the instruments, the story, and the harmonies. Music acts as a medium for processing emotions, trauma, and grief, as well as being utilized as a regulating or calming agent for anxiety.

“I stumbled across an album Marvin Gaye made in 1981 entitled ‘In Our Lifetime’ after hearing ‘Funk Me’ on D Nice’s Quarantine Mix, and I decided to dig into the album. I can appreciate the fact that Marvin Gaye is so transparent in his music - he’s honest and it’s a whole groove. I think it’s a hidden jewel and I enjoyed vibin’! Kaytranada’s newest album Bubba & Goldlink’s ‘Diaspora’ are a perfect playlist after a good strain. That or of course a good instrumental to vibe and write to!” -Reese Renee (@reesarenee), Singer & Songwriter 

Going on a Walk/Hike

Research shows that spending just 20 minutes in a park makes you happier. Pop an edible, leave your phone at home, and set out for some greenery and flowers in your neighborhood. Enjoy a gentle awareness of your surroundings: notice the trees, the houses, the people, the ground. Listen to the birds sing, and the cars pass by. If you notice yourself losing focus on your surroundings, come back to the feeling of your feet on the ground with each step. In today’s society, you often see people walking around with headphones on, but if you tune in, you’ll hear nature has its own orchestra. 

“Take a walk, plant a tree

let go of pressure from society.

Open your eyes, there's more to see

embrace the moment, we are socially free!”-Kyla Hill, (@hempresshill), CEO & Founder, Get Hemp Butter 

Yoga/Stretching 

Been sitting all day? Streeeaaaaachhhh it out with a puff and some downward dog. Yoga is a form of movement meditation that allows you to tune into your body’s movements and breath. One of the goals of yoga is to move with your breath and connect with your body and the universe around you. Get on the floor, and move your limbs in a way that feels good and calming, focusing on how each movement feels for individual body parts. Yoga may help ease symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, depression, and has also been shown to help patients with eating disorders change their attitude about their bodies.

"Yoga is the act of experiencing and accepting the present moment, leaving the past and knowing that the future depends on the now. Take a full breath Adjust accordingly, bend but don't break and never fold unless it's forward." -Ebony Wheeler (@browneyedyoga_girle, CEO & Founder, Brown Eyed Girl Yoga

Coloring or Painting

Dab and doodle, anyone? In today’s society, we often think we can’t be creative or artistic if we aren’t good at it, but that just isn’t true! Coloring and painting are great ways to focus on little details and simply enjoy letting your inner child be free to enjoy the process. If not coloring or painting, do whatever craft makes you feel excited. Art therapy has been shown to treat symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and some phobias. Put on your favorite chill beats, sit down at a table, and let your creativity juices flow!

“I paint what I see in my head, it’s a rainbow in there and once I put it on paper you can see my rainbow too. If I didn’t have art, I’d be out of my mind!” -Linda Biggs (@lindabiggs), Founder & CEO, Cannabis Queen Rx