Unlock Mental and Digestive Wellness with the Latest TikTok Trend: Very Demure, Very Mindful
Brat Summer is out, Very Demure is in
As temperatures dip, days become shorter, and the party-style aesthetic ‘Brat Summer’ trend is on the way out.
When Jools Lebron (@joolieannie) declared, "You see how I do my makeup for work? Very demure. Very mindful," in her TikTok video, she ushered in the next viral movement that is in opposition to the more outrageous, bling-y, carefree ‘brat’ trend–even if 'very demure very mindful' comes with a cheeky wink. "Here's your reality check, diva," Jools added. "What's the name you'd like me to make it out to?"
Jools inspired a tidal wave (more like a tsunami) of comments, likes, and videos using her coined phrase to describe everything from working out to reading books, styling hair, drinking water, and applying makeup.
But what does Very Demure, Very Mindful mean?
In her video, Jools talks about showing up to work appropriately, with her hair, makeup, and outfit on par with how she showed up when she initially interviewed for her job.
But she adds that she is "very mindful" as she does this. The quality of demure is reserved, modest, and shy in behavior and also in clothing. Jools states that she is mindfully demure in her dress, appearance, and behavior. With the concept of being mindful, many habits, trends, and practices follow this ideal as a foundation for better health.
What is Mindfulness?
Based on Zen Buddhism, mindfulness is simply the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something, and to achieve that state, focusing your attention on something in the present moment. The popularity of mindfulness practices has increased in response to the recent pandemic and the rise in online and social media noise, which has made many across the globe feel unfocused, anxious, and even unhappy. More importance is being placed on dialing back, becoming re-centered, digital detoxes, and becoming more aware of your own body and your environment.
Mindfulness practices help by shifting focus away from stimuli that stress you out or distract you from reality and onto what is happening to you in the present moment.
There are extra bonuses and health benefits with mindfulness practices, including
Reducing stress levels
Encourage healthier digestion
Relieving feelings of anxiousness and sadness
Instilling a sense of well-being
Reducing fatigue
Increasing awareness of self: how you are feeling both mentally and physically
Slowing down how quickly your brain is aging biologically
Boosting cognitive health
Helping with pain management
Improving quality of life
Four simple ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life
1. Mindful Eating
How to Do It: Eat your meals without distractions like your TV or phone. Focus on the taste, texture, and aroma of your food. Notice the color, shape, and plating. Chew slowly and savor each bite. Be aware of the nutrition that you are consuming and how it will help fortify your body, microbiome, and cells for more optimal health.
Why It Works: Mindful eating encourages better and smoother digestion, helps reduce overeating, and can enhance the overall eating experience. Using mindful eating practices is effective in helping support healthier eating habits and cultivate a healthy relationship with your food.12
2. Mindful Breathing
How to Do It: Focus solely on your breath for a few moments throughout the day. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a second, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Pay attention to the sensation of the air filling your lungs and then leaving your body.
Why It Works: Mindful breathing helps calm the mind, reduces stress and noise, and brings you back to the present moment. Breathing techniques (such as this one here) that focus on being present and intentional with every breath have been found to improve your ability to focus and boost cognitive ability significantly.3
3. Mindful Walking
How to Do It: While walking to work, running errands, or just taking a stroll, try to be fully present. Notice the feeling of your feet on the ground, the rhythm of your steps, and the sights and sounds around you, especially if you are outside, in nature, for your walk. You can combine mindful breathing and walking simultaneously to increase your benefits.
Why It Works: Mindful walking is a simple way to get out of your head and shift awareness to moving your body and getting your blood flowing. By noticing and connecting with your surroundings, you can relax, destimulate, and clear your mind.4 Walking (especially after a meal) is also excellent for supporting healthy digestion and blood sugar response.
4. Mindful Listening
How to Do It: When conversing with a friend, family member, or even a new acquaintance, focus entirely on the speaker. Try not to allow outer stimuli to distract you from the conversation. Just listen, and don't try to formulate a response while you are listening. Take a moment to develop your thoughts before responding, and be fully present. Pay attention to the words, tone, and body language of the person speaking.
Why It Works: Mindful listening improves communication, strengthens relationships, and helps you stay grounded in the present.5
Is the Very Demure, Very Mindful trend right for you?
You may use some of these mindfulness techniques to ground yourself more consistently in the present moment and less on thoughts, memories, and tasks that are continually stressful for you day in and day out. Or you may simply adopt this new philosophy to become more demure and mindful as you select your outfit for work. Either way, this new viral trend can be a positive experience for you and your mental and physical well-being.
References:
1. Cherpak CE. (2019). Integr Med (Encinitas). 2019 Aug;18(4):48-53. PMID: 32549835; PMCID: PMC7219460.
2. Kristeller, J. L., & Wolever, R. Q. (2011). Eating Disorders, 19(1), 49-61
3. Zeidan, F., Johnson, S. K., Diamond, B. J., David, Z., & Goolkasian, P. (2010). Consciousness and Cognition, 19(2), 597-605.
4. Gao R, Tao Y, Zhou C, Li J, Wang X, Chen L, Li F, Guo L. (2019). Scand J Gastroenterol. 2019 Feb;54(2):169-177. doi: 10.1080/00365521.2019.1568544. Epub 2019 Mar 7. PMID: 30843436.
5. Kramer, U., Pascual-Leone, A., Berthoud, L., de Roten, Y., & Despland, J. N. (2010). Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 20(4), 307-328.
