Do you want to practice mindfulness, but not quite sure how? In this blog, we will discuss eight ways to begin practicing the art of mindfulness and receive that inner peace you have been striving towards. But before diving right, you may be wondering what exactly is mindfulness and what are the benefits?… Don’t worry. I will answer those questions for you first.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness means one’s ability to be fully present at the moment by maintaining awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and environment. Mindfulness isn’t something you have to go out and seek — we all naturally possess, but it’s more readily available if practice daily.
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
Individuals can benefit from being mindful. We tend to spend too much time problem-solving, daydreaming, negative thinking, or having on-going random thoughts. These thoughts can become draining and later followed by stress, anxiety, and depression—all of which could affect one’s quality of life.
Hold on! Don’t get discouraged. According to experts, mindfulness improves those symptoms mentioned earlier, as well as:
- Improves working memory and mind clarity
- Develops better focus, concentration, and productivity
- Enhances the quality of personal relationships
- Better ability to fall asleep at night
- An overall general feeling of wellbeing
Okay, now that you know the meaning and benefits, you’re ready for our Top 8 Ways for Practicing mindfulness.
#1. Focus on the Moment.
Many may consider this as a “no brainer,” right? Wrong. When focusing on the moment, we should stop comparing the present with the past and focus on what’s right in this current moment.
#2. Body Scan Meditation
While various meditation forms are beneficial, body scan meditation is about building body awareness and easing tension. This meditation technique allows one to identify unconscious holding patterns and release them with their awareness – which significantly reduces sleep issues and improves symptoms of fatigue and depression.
#3. Practice Breathing
Don’t wait until you have reached your breaking point and need to calm down; create a habit of calm breathing. Just focus on breathing through your nose and out your mouth; if this seems complicated, do countdown breaths from 20.
#4. Slow down
We have busy lives, moving from one point to the next, but take some time to enjoy the journey. Instead of rushing down the highway home to make dinner and unwind, allow yourself those extra five minutes in the car to calm down for the evening.
#5. Embrace Shower Time
Showering or bath time are moments for relaxation, but our minds can quickly shift ahead to work and the day ahead. If so, bring it back to the present moment by bringing your attention back to your senses, the smell of soap, the sensation of water, or any sounds. Allowing your mind to transcend back into the now state.
#6. Keep a Daily Journal
A person can journal either in the morning or evening —the preference is up to you. Journaling allows you to check in with your emotions and thoughts, which benefits your emotional health by creating that sense of awareness.
#7. Positive Affirmations
We can quickly become submerged with our negative thoughts. A great way to combat this is by repeating a positive affirmation. This repetition is a mindful practice with an end benefit of making you feel more optimistic.
#8. Utilize Mindfulness Apps
While disconnecting from technology is standard advice in mindful practice, we are in a technological era, which could be easier said than done. But you still have the power of choice, so instead of playing a game or scrolling through social media, choose a mindful app. There are several apps to choose from, which offer led meditations, individual tracks, emotional check-ins, and other programs to help you on your mindfulness journey.
These are only a few ways to practice mindfulness, but the list is endless and interchangeable so feel free to switch up your habits now and then. Understanding that by applying mindfulness, you can develop a conscious mind, increase positivity, and achieve your goals.
