Mindfulness

Mindfulness is an approach to wellbeing based on research, practice, and experience. Specific research has found several benefits of mindfulness include:

• Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Improving overall mental well-being (enhances cognitive functioning, memory, and attention)
• Physical health benefits (reducing inflammation, improving immune function, and lowering blood pressure)
• Managing specific problems such as pain and addiction

Mindfulness can involve a structured routine or simply taking brief moments to pay attention. Mindfulness should not be complicated or time consuming, just a few minutes a day can make a difference. 

 

How to Practice Mindfulness

Unstructured Methods of Mindfulness include:

• Paying attention: Take the time to experience your environment with your senses – touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste
• Live in the moment: Intentionally pay attention to everything you do. Find joy in the simple pleasures.
• Focus on your breathing: When you have negative thoughts, sit down, take a deep breath, and close your eyes. Focus on your breath as it moves in and out of your body.
• Wash your hands: Every time you wash your hands, use the time as a reminder to come back to the present. 
• Gratitude: Carve out one minute of your day for a moment of gratitude.

You can begin practicing mindfulness by following your breathing to match the gif below:

There are additional methods of structured mindfulness which includes body scan meditations, sitting meditations, and walking meditations. You can view the resources listed below for additional information.

 

Resources for Practicing Mindfulness