I don’t live in a big city. (In fact, the only noises I typically hear are birds chirping or cats in heat. Don’t ask.) But I’ve lived in NYC and have been visiting my family there several times a year for over a decade. So I have a fairly good grasp of what it’s like to be surrounded by a cacophony of car horns and ambulance sirens, a flurry of feet pounding the pavement, and hours (many hours) of traffic. Though it has many perks, city life is rarely peaceful or serene.

That’s why I really like the book Urban Mindfulness: Cultivating Peace, Presence & Purpose in the Middle of It All by Jonathan S. Kaplan, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and founder of UrbanMindfulness.org. In it, he addresses specific problems that plague city dwellers and gives readers a variety of strategies to feel more calm and fulfilled. (He lives in NYC, so I think he knows what he’s talking about.)

Read the rest of "4 Tips on Cultivating Mindfulness When You Live in a Busy, Bustling City" on Psych Central

Here is our latest editor's pick! Acquisitions Editor Jess O'Brien shares why he enjoyed A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook:

When we spend most of our time "doing" we don't get much time to just "be" and experience life in the moment. The MBSR program gives us a way to let go of some of that built up wear and tear. By learning how to apply mindfulness to your life, you will find that there are moments of joy and contentment to be found in the quiet spaces between the activities that you do each day. By taking these precious seconds to relax and be present to things as they are, your mind and nerves get a much needed break, taking off the pressure long enough to recharge for your next accomplishment.

Here is our latest editor's pick! Acquisitions Assistant Editor Angela Autry Gorden shares why she enjoyed Yoga for Pain Relief:

In Yoga for Pain Relief, Kelly McGonigal, an experienced yoga teacher and psychologist, gently guides you through easy-to-understand exercises to alleviate chronic pain. It's almost like having your own yoga therapist. She provides a nice blend of asanas, meditations, and explanations for aspects of yogic philosophy that help you have more compassion for yourself and get to know your body. The book builds from an introduction to the basic concepts behind yoga's ability, to helping you heal physically, soothe your emotions, and learn more about your mind. The tone of the book is hopeful and supportive, which I found to be refreshing and helpful when dealing with my chronic pain.

by guest blogger Susan Albers, Psy.D., author of 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself without Food

Whether you agree or totally disagree with a plant based diet isn’t the issue. The primary benefit of seeing Forks Over Knives is that it shows change is possible. Before your client can modify their eating habits, they need hope and to truly believe that change can happen. This film successfully meets that goal. The film follows a few individuals from all walks of life and at various ages who are on multiple medications and have critically elevated cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Within a short period of time, these individuals got off their medications and significant improved their lab results. The change is dramatic. The viewer is left with the impression that what you eat does matter to your health and that you can make changes that will significantly improve your well-being. It appears attainable and completely in reach no matter who you are or how old. In other words, Forks over Knives is likely to change the perception of the client who thinks it is a waste of time to be more mindful and attentive to what they eat.

review by Wendy Millstine, NC

The Whole-Food Guide to Overcoming Irritable Bowel Syndrome offers helpful and nutritious guidelines for what to eat and what to avoid to prevent IBS symptoms, as well as supplements for healthy digestion and tips on lifestyle changes, stress reduction, and exercise. The best part is the recipe section. Among my favorites, the book’s mouth-watering recipes include: chicken breakfast patties; gluten-free golden carrot pancakes; liver pâté; Japanese-style fish soup; and sweet potato pie. They’re all delicious and easy to prepare, and even better, they don’t require too many ingredients. Savor and enjoy good food and good health!