Image from Pexels – CC0 License
Mindfulness is the practice of being in the present moment and allowing whatever comes into the mind be there without judgement. Mindfulness can also be seen as a type of meditation or used as part of meditation practice. Mindfulness can help you to lower your stress and anxiety by encouraging you to focus on the here and now. By noticing what’s happening around and inside you, allows you to accept what comes into your awareness and to explore your inner self more deeply. Mindfulness can help you to sort through your feelings and become more aware of how they relate to each other, as well as how to manage them. You can practice mindfulness in a few different ways, so here are some to try.
Download an App
For anyone who enjoys using tech to manage their life, there are many different apps that can provide you with mindfulness sessions. Some are free, while others are paid, and they can take you through daily sessions to help you learn and practice mindfulness. Many people find it’s a good way to get started with mindfulness if they’ve never tried it before.
Learn to Breathe Deeply
Mindful breathing is an important skill to have if you want to practice mindfulness. It helps you to focus on something simple and essential – the air flowing in and out of your body. As you breathe, you can focus on the sensations in your body when you breathe in and then out. In practicing, take deep, slow breaths into your stomach and feel your belly moving up and down as you breathe. Let your thoughts come and go, and acknowledge it when your mind wanders, try to keep coming back to focus on your breath.
Pay Attention to Your Body
Listening to your body is another way to practice mindfulness. Think about what sensations you can feel. Can you feel the chair or floor against your bottom and legs? Are you starting to feel hungry, or do you have any aches? Are you feeling tired or heavy, do you feel energized or alive? Try sitting or lying and squeezing each muscle group in turn to feel the muscles tense and relax.
Image from Pexels – CC0 License
Tune Into Your Senses
Tuning into your senses allows you to pay attention to the things that are happening around you. What can you hear, smell, see or feel? Maybe you can even taste something. Is it hot or cold? You might hear birds outside or the sound of a car alarm. You might feel the fabric of your clothes. Notice each thing in turn and then move on.
Listen to Your Emotions
Don’t forget to listen to your emotions and try to be curious about them. Identify and acknowledge what you are feeling, even though you may not understand every emotion that you experience. Just allow yourself to feel and let feelings come and go.
You can practice mindfulness in a way that works for you. Mindfulness skills take time to develop, but even small daily Mindfulness practices can create beneficial changes to your life.