Mindfulness Q&A with Kristina Magro

FOH: What is your name?

Kristina: Kristina Magro

FOH: Your current job title and place of business?

Kristina: General Manager at Lone Wolf Tavern

FOH: How do you define mindfulness?

Kristina: Being aware that your mind, body and soul are connected. Realizing that several outside factors contribute to these three things. Then, finding tools to use on a daily basis to prioritize your wellbeing and control the way your body reacts to your daily challenges. Being aware and present.

FOH: How does mindfulness play a part in your everyday life?

Kristina: I have found especially lately that I have to be more mindful that ever. Tension is something that manifests in our bodies. It is also something that we construct, so I have had to be extremely aware of the tension that I am fostering. I focus on my breathing and check in regularly with myself and how I am handing the stress of the day.
I wake up and meditate. I do not look at my phone until I have finished my tea in the morning. I try to stay very aware of my breathing and emotions. Why am I reacting this way? Is this something I can directly control? etc. etc. Mindfulness has helped me function with my generalized anxiety disorder which manifests itself physically for me rather than mentally.

FOH: There are so many kinds of wellness- physical, mental, environmental, spiritual. Which of these resonates the most with you and why?

Kristina: For me I would say physical. I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder that manifests itself in my body. For example if I am super stressed. My knee will blow up to 4x its size and I wont be able to walk. My back will start to spasm things like that. So I have to be checking in with my body constantly to make sure I am not holstering my stress through tension in my body or it will reek havoc on my immune system and my physical body itself. Meditation falls into all of these categories for me. It has improved my quality of life greatly. I have to focus on the physical to assist my mental state which in turn will help me with my environmental and spiritual clarity.

FOH: Who provides you with inspiration when it comes to living life mindfully?

Kristina: I come from a traditional Italian family where mental health is extremely taboo to discuss. My motivation is to set a good example for my family that will eventually break down the stigma of mental health and mindfulness and hopefully help them as well. After starting this journey two years ago, I have gotten my mom on board and in the process of motivation my sibling to live a more intentional and mindful life.

FOH: Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions or Affirmations?

Kristina: Be better at setting boundaries professionally and personally. Work on my communication when it comes to being vulnerable. Be the best partner and dog mom I can be.