Mindfulness is an incredibly powerful tool for improving mental health and wellbeing. It involves being aware of your thoughts and feelings, and responding to them in a non-judgmental way. By taking the time to be mindful, you can learn to be more in touch with yourself and your emotions, leading to improved mental health. Practicing mindfulness will not only help you to manage a range of mental health issues, it will also help you to become more aware of yourself and your surroundings – necessities to living a happy and fulfilled life.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a psychological practice that involves bringing your attention to the present moment without judgement. It helps people to recognise, understand and manage their emotions, thoughts and physical sensations in a more effective way.
Mindfulness, although not connected to any specific religion, is based on the Buddhist idea of being aware of the present moment with an attitude of openness, acceptance, and non-judgment. This practice can help to reduce stress, improve mental health, and even decrease symptoms of trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
By focusing on what is happening right now, it allows us to gain insight into our inner experiences and create a greater sense of balance. With regular practice, mindfulness can help you to develop a sense of wellbeing and resilience.
The benefits of mindfulness
Mindfulness has many benefits that have been linked to improved mental health. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as the effects of trauma. It can also help with PTSD, and depression, it can lift moods and increase feelings of self-esteem. Mindfulness is also known to improve concentration, aid in problem-solving, and boost creativity.
In addition to these psychological benefits, mindfulness can also have physical health benefits. Studies show that people who practice mindfulness may have improved immune functioning, a lower risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, and better overall health outcomes.
Practising mindfulness also helps to create a connection between the body and the mind, allowing us to become aware of our thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental way. This increased self-awareness allows us to live life more fully, be more compassionate with ourselves and others, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Overall, mindfulness can be a powerful tool for improving mental health, physical health, and emotional wellbeing. By taking the time to be mindful each day, we can cultivate healthier habits and enjoy a better quality of life.
How to start being more mindful
Mindfulness is an incredibly useful tool for improving mental health, but it can be difficult to start practising for some people. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Identify the areas of your life where you would like to be more mindful. Consider areas such as work, relationships, physical and mental health, spiritual practice, and leisure time.
- Set aside a few minutes each day for mindfulness practice. Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the amount of time you spend on your practice.
- Pick a specific activity to focus on during your mindfulness practice. This could include activities such as walking, sitting, stretching, or writing.
- Focus on your breathing and notice any other physical sensations in your body. Notice how your body feels in the present moment and acknowledge your thoughts and feelings without judging them.
- Notice when your mind wanders and simply bring it back to the present moment. Don’t be too hard on yourself if your mind keeps on wandering, it does take some practice.
- Observe any physical and mental changes that occur as a result of your mindfulness practice. Pay attention to any shifts in mood, energy levels, or focus.
By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can make tremendous strides in improving your mental health. Through regular practice, you will gain insight into yourself, become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and develop greater self-compassion and resilience in times of stress.
If you struggle to get started there are a lot of applications, such as Mindfulness Coach, that you can download on your mobile phone that can guide you through the process. But with some practise you will be a pro in no time.
Tips for maintaining a mindfulness practice
- Start small
Even just a few minutes of mindfulness each day can help to improve your mental health. Start by committing to a short practice and then gradually increase the amount of time as you become more familiar with the practice. Even a few minutes a day will make a difference. - Make it a priority
While it may be difficult to make time for mindfulness in our busy lives, it is important to prioritise this practice if we want to maintain our mental health. Make sure to set aside some time each day for mindfulness, and try to keep it consistent. - Find a support system
If you are struggling with your mindfulness practice, it can be helpful to find someone who can provide guidance and support. This could be a friend, family member, counsellor, or online support group. - Track your progress
Keeping track of your progress can help to keep you motivated and provide insight into the changes that have occurred in your mental health. Note any successes or challenges that arise during your practice and use this information to adjust your approach as needed. It is a good idea to keep a journal to help you to keep track. - Be kind to yourself
Mindfulness can be a difficult practice to start, and it is important to be gentle and patient with yourself. If you find yourself getting frustrated, simply take a few deep breaths and remember that it does take time and practise. Mindfulness should be free of judgement, so don’t beat yourself up if you are not a pro at the onset.