Most of us are rarely present in the moment. We focus on past experiences and emotions, constantly thinking about the past and worrying about the future.
Are you mindful or is your mind full? A simple way to reduce stress and develop mental resilience in everyday life is to practice mindfulness. By turning your attention to your breath, body and senses, you can learn to let those stressful thoughts and feelings come and go without getting caught up in judging or controlling them.
All it takes is 10 minutes a day to be mindful this May.
BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness can help you:
- recognise, slow down or stop automatic/habitual reactions
- respond more effectively to complex or difficult situations
- see situations more clearly
- become more creative
- achieve balance and productivity at work and at home
Everyone can benefit from regularly writing down their experiences and emotions. Journaling is a way to process the ups and downs of everyday life without any rules, restrictions, or time limits.
The simplest way to begin is to write about your day. Pick a quiet, peaceful place – somewhere where you can be alone for more than a few minutes.
· What did I do today?
· What were the most challenging parts of my day?
· How did I react to those challenges?
· What did I accomplish today?
· What am I looking forward to tomorrow?
This exercise is a reflection that anyone might find useful, contemplative, and stress-relieving.
SLEEP AND MINDFULNESS
Sleep and mental health are closely connected. Sleep deprivation affects your psychological state and mental health. And those with mental health problems are more likely to have insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily practice can improve your sleep quality which will have a positive impact on your overall mental health and wellbeing.
Mindfulness is part of several evidence-based therapies, including:
- Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MCBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)