Why and How to Practice Mindfulness

It’s easy to get caught up in life’s distractions. With text messages and emails, notifications and constant advertisements, there is a lot going on. Sometimes, without us even realizing it, these distractions can lower our productivity and increase our stress. But that doesn’t mean you have to go off the grid just to focus. By being aware of our thoughts and feelings, we can have a better handle on our mental health. Here’s what you should know about mindfulness. 

Why practice mindfulness? 

Taking a step back from life’s stressors and is a powerful way to improve your well-being. Mindfulness practices are commonly used to help treat stress, anxiety, pain, depression and more. Additional benefits of mindfulness include: 

• Better concentration 
• Less stress 
• More control over emotions 
• Improved memory 
• Higher relationship satisfaction
• Lower risk of job burnout
   

How to practice mindfulness. 

Like with any new habit, it’s good to start small. Practicing mindfulness can be challenging at first, so it’s important to be accepting of all your thoughts and feelings. To get you started, here are some mindfulness methods: 

• Take in your environment with all your senses— touch, sound, sight, smell and taste. 
• Worry less about the future and past. It's the things you are doing now that count! 
• Be kind to yourself. Accept and treat yourself the way you would a good friend. 
• Slow down and breathe. Is your mind racing? Close your eyes, then focus on your inhale and exhale. 
• Scan your body. Take a quick moment to focus on each part of your body, slowly moving from head to toe while aware of any sensations or emotions that come through. 
• Take a walk. Enjoy a peaceful walk and notice what you hear or the texture of what you see. Feel the support of the ground beneath you.