What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a practice that focusses on being fully present in the here and now. One’s thoughts are focussed on paying keen attention to the things happening in the present, without being judgemental. It fosters an increased sense of alertness towards our body sensations, feelings, thoughts and surroundings.
Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Health
Mindfulness encourages one to be non-critical towards one’s own experiences. This involves acknowledging one’s emotions, thoughts and sensations without adjudging them as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. It encourages one to foster a sense of acceptance and self-compassion.
Stress Reduction – Mindfulness and meditation reduce stress and anxiety by regulating the body’s stress response and promoting relaxation. Individuals are better equipped to face challenges by training their mind to concentrate on the present.
Enhanced Concentration and Focus – Mindfulness strengthens one’s ability to resist distractions and focus on the task at hand. This brings a marked improvement in the productivity and successful completion of the task at hand.
Greater Self-awareness – People who practice mindfulness are more aware of their own thoughts, feelings and actions. They are in a state of heightened consciousness and understand their feelings better.
Improved Mental and Physical Health – Mindfulness helps people overcome anxiety issues by not overthinking and unnecessarily worrying about the future. They display better emotional health and psychological control. Practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques provide health benefits such as lower blood pressure, increased immunitity levels and better sleep quality.
How to Incorporate Mindfulness in Daily Life?
Mindfulness is a transformative practice that allows one to live honestly, comletely and more consciously. Although formal mindfulness practice is quite prevalent, it can easily be incorporated in mundane activities. Simple changes in your daily routine such as including conscious breathing exercises, walking and even eating properly can bring mindfulness into your life.It may also involve deliberately engaging the senses such as listening to sounds, mindful eating or feeling the texture of things aroun enhances sensory awarenessd us. This practice essentially and brings your focus back to everyday experiences.
