Does Mindfulness Matter?

Welcome to my blog! Today’s topic is on mindfulness. We have all been told at some point in our lives to enjoy every moment, or life’s too short to worry, or take time to smell the roses. But the truth is, their right. What is mindfulness? What are the benefits? How do I do that? Well, I’m going to explain all this and more and hopefully next time you are out somewhere, you can stop and smell the roses.

What is Mindfulness?

            Mindfulness has been practiced for thousands of years in various religious and secular traditions- from Hinduism and Buddhism to yoga and spiritual institutions. By general definition, mindfulness is basically the practice of being completely aware of what’s happening in the present. In other words, don’t live your life on autopilot. Mindfulness comes in many different forms—it could be a yoga practice that involves mindfulness, it might involve mindfulness meditation sessions, or it could involve practicing mindfulness during everyday activities.

Mindfulness can be practiced for the purpose of becoming more mindful. It can be done as individual or as a group. There are several mindfulness practices and organizations which are aimed at specific groups of people. For example, the Mindful Warrior Project, which is just one of the groups aimed at helping military veterans use mindfulness to increase their wellbeing post-combat. There are various groups focused on teaching mindfulness to children, such as the Kids Programme from Youth Mindfulness.

What are the benefits?

            Some studies suggest that mindfulness practices may help people manage stress, cope better with serious illness and reduce anxiety and depression. Many people who practice mindfulness have reported several health benefits such as an increased ability to relax, a greater enthusiasm for life and improved self-esteem just to name a few.

A NIH-supported study found a link between mindfulness meditation and measurable changes in the brain regions involved in memory, learning and emotion. Another NIH-funded study found that mindfulness practices may reduce anxiety and hostility among urban youth and lead to reduced stress, fewer fights and better relationships.

One huge benefit of mindfulness is that it encourages you to pay attention to your thoughts, your actions and your body. For example, studies have shown that mindfulness can help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This is due in part because while people watch TV they generally snack. With mindful eating, you eat when you’re hungry, enjoy your food more and stop when you’re full.

How to Practice Mindfulness

The whole idea and concept of mindfulness is simple, but becoming a more mindful person requires commitment and practice. Here are a few tips to get started:

• Take some deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose to a count of 4, hold for 1 second and then exhale through the mouth to a count of 5. Repeat about 3-4 times.
• Enjoy a stroll. As you walk, notice your breath and the sights and sounds around you. As thoughts and worries enter your mind, note them but then return to the present.
• Practice mindful eating. Be aware of taste, textures and flavors in the foods you eat, and listen to your body when you are hungry and full.
• Find mindfulness resources in your local community, including yoga and meditation classes, mindfulness-based stress reduction programs and of course books and blogs.
• Meditation- Mindful meditations can help in so many ways. They can help keep you centered and regain control of your headspace.
• Journaling- writing things down can help you stay grounded, become more mindful of your thoughts and feelings.

I hope this helps you to become more mindful and to reduce your stress. Try these tips next time you think you are running on autopilot and see if you feel any better.

As always,

I hope you live a happier, healthier life.

Take Care,

Darren