In times of stress and anxiety, let Star Wars be your path to the Light and a clear mind.
The path to the Dark Side is most unnatural, and sometimes, you’ll find yourself a mixed ball of emotions. Sometimes, days will feel like an Ewok celebration on Endor. Other days, it may feel like the Force is just not with you that day.
Luckily, Star Wars itself is full of lessons for mindfulness and good-doing. After all, it was Yoda who encouraged the young Luke Skywalker to clear his mind and not give into anger or fear, for that was the path to the Dark Side. But if re-watching the movies is out of the question for you on days where you just need a mental break, there are other ways to stay in the spirit of Star Wars while keeping a mind that’s calmer and cooler than Lando himself.
5 mindfulness Star Wars activities
1. Do some coloring
Yes, we mean it! No matter how big or how small you are, there’s something so relaxing about slipping away into a page and filling it with the best colors in the galaxy! You don’t have to be Picasso… or whoever the Star Wars version of Picasso is. But if you let your mind wander, you’ll probably be happy with your results! Need a place to start? Disney has some readily available pages for you to print out, or a simple search for “Star Wars coloring pages” or “Star Wars drawing tutorials” will have you on the right path.
2. Read a Star Wars book
Sometimes, a Jedi has to disconnect from the tech world to ground themself in the world of their imagination. Needless to say, there are plenty of Star Wars books out there for you to read. There are lots of old stories out there part of the Legends series (also known as Star Wars’ Expanded Universe). But within Disney’s new canon, there’s also plenty of reading material. For example, they just released an anthology of short stories revolving around Episode V called From A Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back.
3. Write down your favorite Star Wars lesson
No, no. You’re not back at the Jedi academy. But in this fast-paced world, who has the time to do self-reflection anymore? Well, it’s always good to take that time for yourself, for every Jedi knows it is not only the body that must be strong but the mind as well. Think back to your favorite Star Wars character. What lessons did they learn? How did they do it? Can you become as brave as Ahsoka? As confident as Luke? Grab your pen and paper or open your notes app, and start reflecting on how you can become one with the Light Side of the Force!
4. Meditate the Jedi way
Seriously, strong mind, you must have. Sometimes, the best calming distraction method of them all is to just sit with your mind and release all the negative stuff out to the galaxy. (Thank the Force it can handle it.) It might help to find a guided meditation video or recording out there so you know exactly what to do. But if you prefer to go right ahead and do it on your own, try adding some Star Wars music in the background and embrace your inner-Jedi. Deep breathing, must you do. Imagine you are Darth Vader, as you inhale through your nose, hold, and then exhale through your mouth. (No need to distort your voice while you do it!) It’s as simple as that. And the more breaths you take, the closer to the Light you shall feel!
5. Chat with someone about Star Wars
If practicing solo isn’t your thing, connect with a friend or family member and chat about Star Wars. Sure, you can text. But sometimes it helps to get on the phone (or see them face-to-face, of course) for a good, old-fashioned conversation. Discuss the latest episode of The Mandalorian. Perhaps some of the rumors and Star Wars news that you hope to come true. Just try not to bring up any discussions about who shot first… we want to keep your mind calm and clear! As Finn discovered in his friendship with Rey and Poe, it’s always good to have someone by your side and an ear for you to talk to. So go out and get chatting!
What are some of your favorite Star Wars mindfulness tips? Let us know in the comments!