{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/690bfce4b27ff20ceb411c20/6a4b29e45b22488bcd98ffea?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Mindfulness Monday 18","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/690bfce4b27ff20ceb411c20/1783310804227-f5a60860-0550-4255-a4f9-59c386837bcd.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p><strong>Are you unconsciously bracing yourself for the workweek before it even begins?</strong></p><p>When we are faced with a heavy workload, long to-do lists, or sudden workplace stressors, our bodies often go into a subtle \"defense mode.\" We unconsciously grip our jaws, hike our shoulders up toward our ears, and hold our core tight. In psychology, this is known as somatic bracing. While it's a natural reaction to perceived pressure, maintaining this physical shield drains our cognitive energy, heightens anxiety, and locks the brain into a state of chronic, low-grade stress.</p><p>Now that we've reset our mid-year compass, we are returning to our steady rhythm with a tactical, physical anchor.</p><p>In this 10-minute Mindfulness Monday session, we utilize a structured Box Respiration technique layered with intentional somatic expansion. By moving through a balanced, four-part breathing framework, we will systematically scan the body, dissolve physical tension, and signal to the nervous system that it is safe to drop the shield.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>In this session, we’ll cover:</strong></h3><ul><li>An introduction to the physiology of somatic bracing and how physical tension traps the mind in a stress loop.</li><li>A guided, rhythmic Box Breathing sequence (4-4-4-4 count) to stabilize heart rate variability.</li><li>Targeted somatic release cues to unlock the jaw, drop the shoulders, and soften the core.</li><li>A portable physical checkpoint to help you maintain a relaxed, high-capability stance throughout a demanding week.</li></ul><p><strong>Take ten minutes this morning to drop the shield, steady your baseline, and breathe freely.</strong></p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Connect With Us:</strong></h3><p>We’d love to hear how you are keeping your frame steady this week!</p><p><br></p><ul><li><strong>Website:</strong> <a href=\"https://yourmindonpodcast.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">yourmindonpodcast.com</a></li><li><strong>Email: </strong>hello@yourmindonpodcast.com</li><li><strong>Instagram:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/yourmindonpodcast\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@yourmindonpodcast</a></li></ul><h3><strong>The Sounds of Mindfulness Monday:</strong></h3><p>To help you find your baseline, today’s episode featured:</p><p><br></p><ul><li><strong>Intro:</strong> <em>Spent a Whole Day in My Head</em> by Rebecca Mardal</li><li><strong>The Exercise:</strong> <em>ebb</em> by bomull</li><li><strong>Outro:</strong> <em>Finetuned Fiesta</em> by Dusty Decks</li></ul><p><em>Music provided by Epidemic Sound.</em></p>","author_name":"John Shaw"}