Office of Medical Communications

Susan Whitman, PA-C, NBC-HWC, with the Osher Center for Integrative Health, helped found the UVM Health and Wellness Coaching Program in 2019.

(JANUARY 4, 2023) Susan Whitman, PA-C, NBC-HWC, a lecturer with the Osher Center for Integrative Health and a faculty member in the integrative health and wellness program at the University of Vermont, commented about mindfulness in an article in HealthyWomen about healthy habits.

“I think one of the keys to good mental health is mindfulness, or simply, practicing being in the moment,” she said. She recommends mindfulness as a daily habit. “Choose an activity a day that you will do ‘mindfully.’ It doesn’t have to be long, but you need to work to do only this one thing and give your full attention to it.” For example, “While you are brushing your teeth, bring all your energy and attention to the act. Smell the toothpaste. Feel the bristles against your teeth and gums. Notice how your hand is moving. Watch your movements in the mirror. Hear the sounds it makes. Notice the thoughts that come into your mind, any judgments, and let them go, bringing your attention back to all the sensations of the moment.”

The article listed seven easy habits you can create to improve your overall health, ranging from dietary, exercise, and mindfulness tips to practicing gratitude, journaling, and rewarding yourself for positive behaviors.

Whitman helped found the UVM Health and Wellness Coaching Program in 2019.