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 / SpotifyContact 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.