Chill out with mindfulness
Ever wondered about the buzz surrounding mindfulness? In this blog, we're breaking down the mindfulness basics and giving you a guide to getting started.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness meditation has been around for ages, but now it’s all the rage for managing stress and boosting well-being. Psychologists have found that mindfulness practice can change our brains and bodies for the better, giving us all-around better mental and physical health.
At first glance, it seems pretty straightforward. But in our busy lives, it can be tricky to master. Think about it: when you're doing something routine like munching on breakfast or cruising to work, you're often running on autopilot, right?
Mindfulness is a practice where you focus on the present, without judging or being distracted. It takes some conscious effort. Mindfulness is not about silencing your thoughts or forcing things to go a certain way! It is all about simply watching and taking in what's going on right now.
SOURCE: Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce stress. American Psychological Association, 30 October 2019
Mindfulness isn't some secret remedy, but it sure packs a punch when it comes to stress management. By learning to observe your thoughts and emotions without immediate reactions, you can gain control over negative thinking patterns and unproductive responses during stressful moments.
💡 Things to know!
Mindfulness can help to create the mental space needed for sleep.
Mindfulness is NOT relaxation, positive thinking, a trance, a mantra, or forcing yourself to sleep.
Mindfulness principles: nonjudgement, patience, non-striving, letting go, acceptance, trust.
Source: SleepHealth Foundation
Studies have also highlighted the positive effects of mindfulness on individuals dealing with chronic pain, offering them improved symptom management and enhanced well-being. It can also lend a hand to folks dealing with anxiety and depression.
How do I start?
Sure, mindfulness and meditation are like peanut butter and jelly, but you don't need to commit to sitting cross-legged for hours. Not everyone's got time for that, right?
There are some ways to sneak mindfulness into your day. Ever tried yoga? It's like the chill cousin of meditation. While you're posing and stretching, you're also diving into mindfulness.
You can even sprinkle mindfulness into everyday stuff. Walking your dog, tackling that daily commute, or whipping up a gourmet meal (or a not-so-gourmet one, we don't judge). The secret sauce? Breathe deeply, soak in the sights, sounds, and smells, and let those feelings just be.
Is mindfulness for everyone?
Well, some doctors think it might not be the best fit for everyone for instance, people with psychosis. If you're not sure if mindfulness is right for you, have a chat with your GP or mental health pro. And hey, if you start feeling anxious or weird while practicing mindfulness, just take a break and talk to your doc.