Mindfulness is a trending topic in today's society, and many people are beginning to realize its long lasting benefits. Even though the practice has been around for years, people are just now starting to really understand its importance, and how essential it is in our busy day-to-day lives.
Even if you're unfamiliar with the overall practice of mindfulness, start by considering it as a helpful exercise to calm yourself down in chaotic times, with the purpose of redirecting your thoughts and energy. People may use mindfulness to refocus, relax, reduce stress, or for other reasons.
It's really up to you how you want to use it, but it is important to actually use it!
It is used in corporate offices to reduce tension among employees, in yoga studios to maintain a zen environment, and even in schools to help students learn and pay attention in class. It has been proven over and over to be a helpful practice for both our minds and our bodies.
So, what is mindfulness?
According to Psychology Today, "mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad."
Mindfulness is something that most people in today's society generally overlook. We are always on the go, caught up in a lifestyle that is busy, hectic, and fast-paced.
With our life constantly being in fast-forward mode, we often forget to take a breath and realize The Power of the present moment, and the simplicity of our world.
Practicing mindfulness comes in all different forms, including meditation, which is one of the most popular ways to really get engaged with the present moment. Mediation is the art of deep breathing and an unbreakable focus, paying attention to your inner feelings and sensations.
Practicing mediation allows us to put the world behind us, and it gives us the opportunity to draw our attention to something worthwhile for a short period of time.
Why practice mindfulness?
According to Greater Good, practicing mindfulness, even for just a few weeks, can bring a variety of physical, psychological, and social benefits.
The practice of mindfulness has been proven to reduce stress, increase your mood, strengthen your immune system, ease anxiety and depression, as well as improve memory and attention skills.
Finding the time to practice any kind of mindfulness during a busy week will make a huge difference when it comes to the way you feel about yourself and the world around you. You will begin to feel more relaxed in stressful situations, you will be able to practice breathing techniques when needed, and be able to focus on what is important.
How to actually practice mindfulness
Although it seems simple, practicing mindfulness can actually be quite a challenge for some people. The practice involves a deep focus and state of relaxation, which can be hard to find during a hectic day.
To start practicing mindfulness, go somewhere that is away from noise, and sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and focus on your breathing. If necessary, you can even use guided mediation to help aid your practice. Begin to notice all of the things that you are sensing, and each feeling that crosses through your body. Be aware of your thoughts and feelings, and try to shift your thoughts in a positive direction.
Relax and enjoy the present moment to feel the full effects and benefits that practicing mindfulness offers.
