The Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness
There are numerous benefits of practicing mindfulness in maintaining mental and emotional health. Studies have shown that regular practice can positively change our brain structure by enhancing the connections between neural pathways in the brain.
Z. Hereford
Mindfulness was originally developed in the Buddhist traditions of Asia, but today, it is a technique for becoming intentionally and nonjudgmentally aware of one's thoughts and actions in the present moment.
Beginning in 1979, John Kabat-Zinn made it popular by combining his studies of Hatha Yoga with mindfulness practices and Buddhist principles to form the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.
Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of ourselves without getting caught up in thinking about the past or worrying about the future.
One of the big challenges we face in this fast-paced, ever-changing world is to be present in our own lives. We tend to get so caught up in the frenzy of what's happening around us that we often overlook what's happening at the moment.
Why is this a problem? It's a problem because, on a day-to-day basis, it causes us stress and strain, wear and tear, and detrimental effects on our physical and emotional health.
Likewise, left unchecked, the mind can wander and unleash all kinds of negative thoughts and emotions, including anger, cravings, jealousy, depression, and countless others.
However, practicing being mindful can harness and manage those thoughts and promote self-awareness and inner calm.
Researchers who have studied the effects of those who practice mindfulness found that the subjects generally experience fewer negative emotions, are happier and optimistic, and have more even left-right brain activity.
How to Put Mindfulness To Practice:
It is unnecessary to make practicing mindfulness complicated and cumbersome. It can be simple yet beneficial, so here are some tips:
1. Start by making the effort. Commit to changing the habits of rushing, functioning haphazardly, and not paying attention. Notice areas where you are not being mindful.
2. Slow down. Take a deep breath before beginning an activity, no matter what, and focus on the process.
3. Observe yourself. If the present moment involves stress, observe your thoughts and emotions and how they affect your body. Notice when your thoughts are distracting you from the present moment.
4. Practice. Practice being mindful by performing a task you usually do impatiently or unconsciously, such as brushing your teeth and doing it mindfully.
5. Make mindfulness a habit. Set aside time each day to practice mindfulness. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness even two or three times a week reaps benefits.
The Benefits
Helps you stay focused on what's happening in the present.
Helps reduce fear/anxiety and promotes feelings of being in control.
Helps prevent binge eating by your making healthier food choices when you pay attention to what you eat.
Helps you more fully experience and enjoy what you are doing.
Bolsters your immune system by allowing you to be more relaxed and deliberate.
Reduces stress since you're in tune with your thoughts and your body while lowering cortisol levels
Helps you enhance your social and communication skills by becoming a better, more empathetic listener.
Boosts brain health since mindfulness practice is associated with increased thickness in the prefrontal cortex, improving attention and decision-making
Improves sleep quality, which is essential for mental and physical health
Being mindful doesn't mean you'll never be in a hurry, have upsetting thoughts and emotions, or be unable to do more than one thing at once. It merely means that you'll be doing them all more consciously.
You will have more insight and awareness of your choices and enhance your ability to make better ones. Commit today to be more mindful and aware of everything you do to have a calmer, more enjoyable existence.
