What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is not a distraction technique nor a relaxation exercise, it is a state of mind. It is the practice of being aware of your body, thoughts and feelings in the present moment. Being mindful is the opposite of rushing or multitasking it is about creating calm and focusing in a relaxed, easy way.
Key aspects of mindfulness include:
Present Moment Awareness: Mindfulness encourages individuals to pay attention to the current moment, including thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment.
Non-Judgmental Awareness: Practicing mindfulness involves observing thoughts and feelings without attaching judgment or criticism. It’s about accepting experiences as they are, without getting caught up in evaluating them as good or bad.
Focused Attention: Mindfulness often involves focusing attention on a specific anchor, such as the breath or sensations in the body. This helps to bring the mind back to the present and prevent it from wandering.
Mindful Breathing: A common technique in mindfulness involves paying attention to the breath. This simple yet effective practice helps to fix attention to the present moment and promotes a sense of calm.
Mindful Meditation: Formal mindfulness meditation involves setting aside dedicated time to engage in mindfulness practices. This can include sitting meditation, walking meditation, or other contemplative activities.
Why should you practice Mindfulness?
Being mindful can help you in just about every part of your life including:
- Lowers stress and anxiety
- Reduces negative thinking
- Boosts memory
- Enhances self-satisfaction
- Promotes better sleep
- Decreases blood pressure
- Improves physical health
How to Practice Mindfulness?
- Mindfulness Breathing – Take a deep breath in through your nose, be aware of the air as it rises through your nostrils, down the throat and into your chest and shoulders. Feel it as it fills your ribs and falls into your tummy. Now slowly follow the breath on the return journey, sighing away any stress or tension as the air leaves your body. Repeat several times, keeping your attention focused on the journey of your breath.
- Mindfulness Walking – Find a nice quiet area away from busy traffic. Walk a little slower than normal. Be conscious of breathing steadily but deeply and focus on your surroundings by using each of your senses. Let any thoughts come and go without paying them any attention, keep guiding your mind back to your breathing and senses.
- Mindfulness Body Scan – Lie down comfortably on your back with your arms by your side and your legs extended. Take a deep breath in through your nose then breathe out slowly and steadily through your mouth. Continue to keep calm, rhythmic breathing going as you bring your attention mindfully to each part of your body, in order. Concentrate on relaxing each muscle as you work through from head to toe. You might like to listen to our guided mindfulness meditation below.
Guided Mindfulness Meditation
This guided mindfulness meditation will help relax your body and mind, reducing any stress or anxiety, leaving your muscles relaxed and ready for a peaceful, deep sleep.
You can click below to listen immediately or click on the image to listen on YouTube.
