Have you ever felt anxious, unfocused, or confused for no reason? Then mindfulness might be precisely what you need. Mindfulness has become a buzzword in the modern wellness industry, so let’s unpack it a bit more to discover what this powerful practice cand do for you.
The Foundations of Mindfulness
Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist philosophy as a state of being in which you are completely conscious of the present moment without any judgment or attachment. In other words, you don’t have a worry in the world at the moment, you are just simple being. By staying with the present moment, you can reduce reactivity and greet everything with more acceptance and compassion. This sounds good and it is easier said than done. However, just like anything else in life you want to be good at or learn, you must make time for it and practice.
When people think about mindfulness, they often immediately imagine a floor seated meditation practice in yoga pants, but mindfulness practice can fit into your everyday life in so many ways. Here are three ways to explore mindfulness:
1. Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is the most popular mindfulness practice. It typically involves sitting in a comfortable position and observing the flow of your breath through your nose. Try a guided mindfulness meditation for 5 minutes daily and see the impacts for yourself! Then, do it again the next day.
2. Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is the practice of being completely present with your food, chewing slowly, and noticing the sensations and flavors while eating. This slow technique is an excellent way to improve physical wellbeing and have a healthier relationship with food.
3. Mindful Walking
Walking has many health benefits; When it comes to mindful walking, it is a moving form of mindfulness meditation good for when you feel a bit more anxious or have excess energy you need to move through. Mindful walking involves taking a slow and conscious stroll through nature or across a small space while noticing the sensations of your feet against the ground.
For more information on managing anxiety, check out my book “Make Peace With Anxiety” to help support you on your journey to mental wellness.