Reasons to Practice Mindfulness

Reasons to Practice Mindfulness
What if we cared for our mind 20 minutes everyday?
How Stress Affects Mental Health
- Stress can lead to intense headaches due to tension.
- Regular stress can weaken your immune system making you vulnerable to illness.
- Experiencing stress regularly can be emotionally taxing and can lead to depression.
- Stress hormones which increase blood flow can cause your heart to pound.
(Reference #1)
What is Mindfulness
“A mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.”
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“Don’t believe everything you think. Thoughts are just that – thoughts.” –Allan Lokos
(Reference #2)
Ways to Practice Mindfulness
- Take a mindful shower. Notice the sensations on your body and around you. Picture your stress washing away.
- Take a mindful walk. Be present and aware of the sights and sounds around you.
- Focus on your breathing. Think of your thoughts as passing clouds . . . let them go and return your focus.
- Running low on time or wanting guidance? You can try checking out meditation apps or guided meditation videos online.
Some Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness
- Reduces anxiety – mindfulness can reduce anxiety by 38% by improving the part of the brain that controls worrying.
- Improves concentration – mindfulness can improve your ability to focus and ignore distractions.
- Minimizes fatigue – regularly practicing mindfulness can improve sleep quality and minimize insomnia and fatigue.
- Increases resilience – practicing mindfulness everyday for 25 minutes can increase resilience to psychological stress.
(Reference #4)
Start with 5 minutes and work your way up to 20 minutes. Remember, practicing every day is more important than how long you practice.
References
- “Stress Effects,” The American Institute of Stress, accessed November 26, 2018, https://www.stress.org/stress-effects/.
- “76 Most Powerful Mindfulness Quotes: Your Daily Dose of Inspiration,” Positive Psychology Program, last modified June 18, 2017, https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/mindfulness-quotes/.
- “Mindfulness,” Auburn University College of Education, last modified May 11, 2018, http://www.education.auburn.edu/school-of-kinesiology/mindfulness/.
- Karen Young, “13 Different Ways to Practice Mindfulness – And the Difference it Can Make,” last modified December 17, 2016, https://www.heysigmund.com/different-ways-to-practice-mindfulness/