How Is Mindfulness Helpful?

How is mindfulness helpful? To answer that question, ask yourself how you react to stress. Sometimes it can be good to experience a little stress, because it can motivate you to deal with challenges or threats. However, too much stress can cause it to be much harder for you to stay resilient.

If we cannot find a resolution for stress, it can lead to serious health problems such as anxiety, depression, or addictive behaviors.

An answer is to practice mindfulness. Being mindful means paying close attention to what is happening in the moment. In other words, it is about living in the present.

Mindfulness is about observing. Instead of looking at your life from inside a stressful situation, look at it from a short distance away. This distancing allows you to observe what is happening without reacting emotionally.

To practice being mindful, start with giving your full attention to a single task, such as brushing your hair or eating a piece of fruit.

Focus on your body as you concentrate on your present task. Notice what you see, hear, smell, taste or feel. Don't label these sensations as good or bad; just observe and release.

Now narrow your focus. Are there any subtle sensations in your body, such as itching or tingling? Place your attention on your body, from head to toes, and observe what you feel.

Now pay attention to your breath. Where do you feel it most in your body? Place your attention there.

Acknowledge your thoughts and emotions, asking yourself, "How am I in this moment?" Spend a brief time with those thoughts and emotions, and allow any feelings to be present without judgment.

Your mind will wander. Just return to a focus on your breath. We all naturally possess mindfulness, but it is more readily available when practiced daily.

When you train your mind to mindfulness, you will wake up the inner workings of the mental, emotional, and physical structure of your brain. Waking up your brain will make it easier to savor the pleasures in life and to help you become fully engaged in activities. This practice will help you to work on changing any negative blocks you may have.

This mindfulness focus also creates a greater capacity to deal with adverse events. By focusing on the present, you may find yourself less likely to become caught up in worries or regrets, and less preoccupied with concerns about success or self-esteem.

Mindfulness will help clear your path of negative issues that may be holding you back from success. You will reduce your stress level and make it easier for you to find happiness.