Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Mindfulness






Mindfulness is the complete state of awareness of the present moment. Sound easy to do? Maybe not. So often we are focused on what we need to get done at some point in the future, whether that is today, next week, next month, or next year. We also tend to focus on past issues as well and rarely are aware of what is going on in the present moment. We are good at identifying physical symptoms in our body but do not take the time to make sense of the mental symptoms that occur. Negative thoughts, worry, fears, and irritations are usually caused by stress. Being mindful means to focus on the present moment and to pay full attention to what is going on around us. By practicing a simple, mindful exercise daily, we can become focused on the here and now. In order to do this, find a quiet, peaceful room and prepare to engage in this exercise for at least five minutes. As you start, take a deep breath. Focus your attention to the sight, smell, and thoughts of the present moment. Next, focus your attention to what is going on internally. If your thoughts take you to either the past of the future, bring yourself back to the present moment. Keep your focus on your breathing as you inhale slowly and your abdomen expands. Gently exhale slowly and feel your abdomen retract back to its original position. As you continue to breathe like this for at least five minutes, really try to focus on enjoying the present moment. By practicing at least once a day (it’s a great way to start or finish your day), it can help you to feel more relaxed and in control of your thoughts, emotions, and feelings. Mindfulness not only helps us relax but can also bring about positive changes in physical symptoms such as lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, reducing chronic pain, and alleviating an upset stomach. Mental health can be improved with mindfulness, so this is a great therapy for those that suffer from anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Being mindful allows us to focus on oneself and to gain a better understanding of our inner senses. It allows us to get in touch with our emotions and understand them without passing judgment. The more this technique is practiced and becomes part of our daily routine, the more benefits we will see. So sit back, relax, breathe deeply, enjoy the moment, and become the mindful person you were created to be!