The Importance of Mindfulness
In our hectic world, it is easy to become overwhelmed and stressed. However, stress can have a very negative impact on your body: tensing, panic, sickness and negative self-talk, for example.
Mindfulness is a great way to combat this. It is a series of techniques that you can use to be fully engaged in what you are doing in the present, and to not be overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Staying in the moment can reduce anxiety, and increase enjoyment in what we’re currently doing.
How can you practice mindfulness?
Set an intention
Your intention can be anything from ‘I will be more aware of my surroundings’ to ‘I am grateful for today’. This intention is the feeling that you wish to bring to your day, and it’s a feeling you can keep coming back to if you find yourself slipping.
Pick a prompt
Choose a cue that you encounter regularly in your life as a reminder to be more mindful. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine, it could be when you are doing the washing, or eating. Whatever it is, take time to really think about what you are doing and how you feel. It can help to concentrate on your breathing to feel an inner calm.
Stay in the moment
Each time you catch yourself worrying, make a conscious effort to think about what’s happening in the here and now. Catching yourself and redirecting your attention goes a long way when it comes to staying in the moment.
Expect to notice more
When you’re more aware of your surroundings, you notice more. If you find yourself examining your relationships, and your relationships with your surroundings, mindfulness is working.
Be gentle with yourself
It’s okay not to be perfectly mindful all the time. Give yourself permission to make mistakes.
Relax
Sometimes the best thing we can do is relax. Read a book in a quiet place, take a long bath, or perhaps meditate or practice yoga to help you to really focus on how you are feeling here and now.