Mindfulness: What It Is and How to Practice It

If you’re like most, stressors are all around you. Whether you’re raising a family or furthering your career, life is often a trying experience. Mindfulness, however, can help ease that burden. But what is mindfulness, anyway? It’s probably just a buzzword you’ve heard now and again but never really thought about. So today we’re going to talk about it.

What Is Mindfulness?

The term “mindfulness” brings up different interpretations. In its simplest form, however, it refers to a focused mental state in which you both acknowledge and accept your feelings. It's typically used as a technique for relaxation, and mindful persons will purposefully examine their thoughts. Mindfulness is similar to meditation.

Once you’ve mastered mindfulness, there are many benefits. For example, if you’re racing with anger or tension, you’ll lower your heart rate and come back down to a peaceful feeling. Additionally, your breathing will return to normal while your muscles relax. With long-term practice, it can help control anxiety or depression. You may even find yourself sleeping better.

Start Practicing Mindfulness

If you’re ready to gain some control over your mind, you can start being mentally present. It’s an art, and it takes time, but it’s worth the effort. There are many techniques you can try to beat negative thoughts that prevent you from being mindful. To be fully aware, it’s ideal to find a comfortable position, preferably sitting or lying down. You’ll need to align your posture with a straight but relaxed spine.

Once you’re comfy, focus on your breathing. Try starting out with slow, deep breaths that are calm and controlled. If your muscles are feeling tense, continue to slowly inhale and exhale until you feel relaxed. Pay attention to what you’re thinking about as well. Your mind may wander, but it’s important to always bring your thoughts back to that controlled breathing. Acknowledge stray thoughts and feelings, but be sure to let them slip away and focus on the present.

Stay Positive

You can increase your daily positivity by incorporating mindfulness into everything you do. For example, when you’re eating, you can concentrate on how your food tastes and why you enjoy it. Having a rough day at the office? Well, take a moment to acknowledge that you’re feeling annoyed, but transition those feelings into something that makes you happy. By living in the present and truly being aware, you can make every day a positive one. Being mindful and keeping a positive outlook will truly make a difference.

It’s no secret that everyone deals with occasional negative thoughts and feelings. That's just human nature. If you make a conscious effort to be mindful, you can control your negativity and replace it with positive thoughts and actions. Focus on your breathing, pay attention to what’s around you and relax your body and mind. Above all, take back the power over your thoughts.

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