Palm Beach North Sports - March 2023

M a r c h 2 0 2 3 | P A L M B E A C H N O R T H SPORTS 15 The FIX is the master reset button for chronic pain and dysfunction to function. START NOW! 561.972.7243 MINDFULLNESS Submitted by Tara Wells COMMUNITY CORNER Innovative & Individualized Pain Treatment Dr. Khalaf is a fellowship trained anesthesiologist, interventional pain management doctor. Some Pain Is Too Much To Live With... DON’T GIVE UP... WE WON’T!!! TREATMENT CENTER • Failed Back Surgery • CRPS/RSD • Migraine & Facial Pain • Back Pain • Neck Pain • Shoulder, Knee & Hip Joint Pain • Platelet Rich Plasma Injections • IV Vitamin Infusion • Ketamine IV For MDD, Chronic Pain • Drug Addiction Detox / Suboxone 1317 West Indian Town Rd. Jupiter Buzzword: mindfulness. What does that even mean? Essentially, mindfulness is the practice of being present. Being focused and in tune with the moment as it is. Less focus on the past and a conscious effort to ignore the future, for now. In athletics, mindfulness is a powerful tool that can help you exceed your own expectations and stay focused while in play. Novak Djokovic, Russell Wilson, Misty May-Trainor, and other notable athletes and organizations employ mindfulness and meditation in their systems. Since this is a practice, it does require effort and repetition. No skill is made great without a little commitment. Maybe a bit more than a little. Here I’ll help you integrate this practice and these skills into your regular day-to-day to improve your quality of life and athletic performance. Rehearse deep breathing. I like to use a 4-4-4 count for inhales, holds, and exhales. Imagine tracing a triangle in your mind as you inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, then exhale for 4 seconds. Challenge yourself and see if you can extend your exhale by a second each time you practice. Start with 3-5 deep breaths. Start with the top of your forehead and notice any tension in your jaw, shoulders, belly, lower back, legs, all the way to your toes. You just did a body scan. They can take anywhere from a few seconds to an hour if you add them to your meditation practice. Mindfully eat! Put down the phone and let it be just you and your meal. Notice flavors and textures of your plate. What goes well together? What is better on its own? Almost any activity can become mindful but eating mindfully is a whole experience! Meditation and mindfulness doesn’t have to be the act of “nothing”. In fact, it’s very intentional and purposeful. Noticing how your body takes up space in the here and now can increase your own bodily awareness and lock in that mind-body connection. Then your brain can finally communicate effectively with your body. Let me know how mindfulness has helped you. Signing off, Tara Wells, LCSW tara@finishlinemindset.com IG & TikTok @finishlinemindset