MINDFULNESS PRACTICES
David S. Chang
M I N D F U L N E S S
The term has become somewhat of a trend. People are familiar with the word without knowing its meaning. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present where we are and in what we are doing without being overwhelmed or reactive to what is happening around us.Â
IS IT LIKE MEDITATION?
While often confused with meditation, mindfulness is less intense and is an experience that can be achieved within the little moments throughout a day. For example, a mindful moment practice might include taking a few moments to break before answering that work email.
WHY SHOULD YOU PRACTICE MINDFULNESS?
It improves mental health. As even school districts begin to implement mindfulness, results have shown a decrease of student anxiety, depression, and more. It improves physical health. Through using mindfulness techniques, scientists have discovered that these practices can improve stress, blood pressure, and sleep. It improves overall well-being. Mindfulness helps the individual to savor life’s moments as they occur and conquer adversity as it strikes.
PRACTICES AND TECHNIQUES:
Sensory - Pay attention to your senses. Label sensations as they are and then let them go. Emotions - Without judgment, accept that you feel emotions, label them with a name (fear, joy) and let them go. Urge Surfing - Pay attention to the way your body feels as you crave addictive or harmful behaviors. Rather than wishing you did not have the craving, decide that the craving will subside.Â
PRACTICES AND TECHNIQUES CONTINUED...
Observe the moment - As thoughts distract you from the moment, return to savor the smells, the feelings, and the sounds. Observe your thoughts - It is normal for the mind to wander. If it continually happens, take time to notice what is distracting you. Pay attention without judgment, then let it go. Return to the moment and breathe.
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