Ep 4 Mastering Mindfulness: Practical Strategies for a Healthier Life

Dec 30, 2024

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Sonya Kaur, an expert in cognitive neuroscience from the University of Miami, reveals how mindfulness can transform mental health and promote graceful aging. She distinguishes between 'doing' and 'being' mindsets, offering practical tips for daily mindfulness practice. The conversation highlights mindfulness's benefits for managing anxiety and enhancing neuroplasticity. Dr. Kaur also emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and leads a hands-on exercise to help listeners cultivate mindfulness in their lives.

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INSIGHT

Mindfulness Defined

Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
It involves letting thoughts and sensations come and go without evaluation.

INSIGHT

Being vs Doing Mindset

Mindfulness focuses on 'being' rather than 'doing,' experiencing the present moment fully.
Unlike 'doing,' being is a rich, non-goal-oriented state of awareness.

ADVICE

Ways to Practice Mindfulness

Practice mindfulness through focused breathing, body scans, or walking meditations.
Incorporate exercises like yoga, qigong, and tai chi for mindful movement.

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Want to unlock the secret to better mental health and aging gracefully? This episode of the Aging Like A Pro Podcast has nurse Rosa Hart sit down with Dr. Sonya Kaur from the University of Miami's Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute to explore the transformative power of mindfulness.

Dr. Kaur shares the origins of mindfulness and its growing role in therapy and medical practice. She explains the difference between a "doing" and "being" mindset, offers practical tips for incorporating mindfulness into daily life, and discusses its benefits for mental health and neurological conditions.

We also dive into the role of self-compassion in mindfulness and Dr. Kaur leads us through a simple mindfulness exercise. Whether you're just starting or looking to deepen your practice, this episode is packed with insights to help you age like a pro.

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Aging Like a Pro began as a healthy aging seminar series in partnership with community centers, libraries and senior organizations that focuses on mitigating social isolation and loneliness while offering information for healthy aging and brain health.

Genetic factors cannot be controlled, but many environmental and lifestyle factors can be prevented or managed to reduce risk of memory decline and even Alzheimer’s disease.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can participate in the cutting-edge research being done at the University of Miami’s McKnight Brain Institute, contact us here:

umiamimbi@miami.edu

We wish to thank the Ansin Foundation, Community Foundation of Broward, and the McKnight Brain Research Foundation for their support.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Sonya S. Kaur, originally from Singapore, earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. She completed her internship in Clinical Psychology with a neuropsychology specialization at the Henry Ford Health System and a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Currently an Instructor in the Division of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Miami, Dr. Kaur conducts neuropsychological assessments for various neurological and psychiatric conditions. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and explores therapeutic techniques to improve sleep in neurological disorders. Her research focuses on cognitive impairment in aging, particularly the impact of lifestyle interventions like exercise and sleep on neurodegenerative disease progression.

Learn more at: https://mbi-umiami.org/about-mbi/

Host Bio:

Rosa Hart, BSN, RN, SCRN combines her expertise in neuro care and patient advocacy with a passion for storytelling. She is the creator and host of the internationally award-winning podcast "Stronger After Stroke", developed for the Norton Neuroscience Institute. This resource has reached stroke survivors and their loved ones worldwide, providing hope and practical strategies for achieving their best quality of life after stroke. Consequently, she is dedicated to amplifying public health messaging through media.

Connect on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-hart-scrn/