Lunchtime Enlightenment Tip: Chewing Gum

Each work-day (that's Monday to Friday) I share a 'Lunchtime Enlightenment' post on the Quiet Mind Meditation Facebook Page - you can also sign up for our email version HERE - designed to provide a little motivation and inspiration for taking a few moments (or minutes) during your lunch break for a gentle daily mindfulness practice. 

Life is busy. We are all busy. But taking just a few moments to PAUSE and BREATHE can be empowering and life changing. 

Today's tip : “Recent research suggests that chewing gum may improve aspects of cognitive function and mood, while also reducing stress.  Gum chewing is an age-old practice with the ancient Greeks, Mayans and Native Americans all chewing on tree resin. 

The act of continuous chewing or moving of our jaw activates the area of our brain that is important for memory, while increasing blood flow to the brain which can enhance our cognitive powers.  The act of chewing also speeds up our heartbeat and blood pressure just enough to wake up both left-and right hemispheres of the brain to work better together.

When anxious we often clench our jaw and grind our teeth, but the repetitive activity of chewing can assist with loosening the hold of body-mind tension.

Just be sure to stick with sugar-free gum, which contains fewer calories and sugar. Sugar-free gum has also been shown in studies to help clean teeth, reduce cavities and improve bad breath".

~ Sarah, Quiet Mind Meditation