Karen Salmansohn is a Behavioral Change Expert and best-selling author who has a compelling writing style that will make you laugh, and at the same time motivate you to take action. She has a morning mindfulness practice where she greets the day not just with open eyes but an open heart and mind as well. Karen’s newest book, Your To-Die-For Life explains How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret before Your Time Runs Out. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: notsalmon.com Book: Your To-Die-For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret . . . Before Your Time Runs Out by Karen Salmansohn Most Influential Person Aristotle Effect on Emotions Mindfulness helps calm the noisy “monkey mind,” much like letting a shaken snow globe settle so the scene becomes clear. When emotions run high, the brain shifts from the rational neocortex to the reactive “fight or flight” area, making clear thinking difficult. Mindfulness allows emotions to settle, restoring clarity and thoughtful response. Practices like journaling or quiet contemplation help achieve this state. To live our best lives, we need to create space for mindfulness in our daily routines. Thoughts on Breathing I studied Ishta yoga and meditation to deepen my personal practice, not to teach, but to better understand how and why it works. Breathing exercises are powerful, even simple mindful breathing. With my young son, traditional prompts like “breathe” upset him, so I used a Spider-Man pinwheel. I showed him how to blow on it to watch it spin—an engaging, visual way to teach mindful breathing through playful, focused exhalation. I also taught him meditation exercises. I put these in my Instant Calm book that I wrote, which was about mindfulness and meditation. Suggested Resources Book: Don't Sweat The Small Stuff by Richard Carlson Book: Instant Calm by Karen Salmansohn Book: Your To-Die-For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret . . . Before Your Time Runs Out by Karen Salmansohn App: Calm  Bullying Story I have a son who’s now in high school, but during middle school, he experienced some bullying—kids at that age can be really cruel. I believe mindfulness could help not only the bullies themselves, but also those being bullied. When my son was going through that, I encouraged him to be mindful and reflect on why the bullies might be acting that way. Were they jealous? Hurting? Struggling at home? Mindfulness helps both sides better understand and manage their emotions.