Mindfulness

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the quality or state of being completely present in what you are doing in the moment. This means maintaining an awareness of and accepting your thoughts, feelings, bodily reactions as they occur.

Benefits of Mindfulness

Some of the benefits of regular mindfulness practice may include:

·       Reduction in stress and anxiety;

·       Improved sleep quality and can reduce fatigue;

·       Improved memory and concentration;

·       More positive mood and less emotional reactivity;

·       Increased emotional resilience; and

·       Reduced possibility of burnout.

How to Practice Mindfulness?

Some strategies to begin practicing mindfulness include:

·       Taking strong, slow and deep breaths while focusing on what is happening in your body as this occurs.

·       Practice mindfulness meditation (some phone apps can be used to assist with this e.g. SmilingMind or the Calm app).

·       Paying attending to body sensations

·       Use all of your senses (sight, sound, touch, taste and smell) to notice where you are at the present moment

·       Take a pause before you act. For example, wait a moment before answering the phone when it is ringing.

·       Take a mindful walk

·       Observe your thoughts and emotions without becoming consumed by them.

Just like anything, the more we practice mindfulness, the easier it becomes to include it in everyday life and the more benefits we experience.