What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is simply being aware of our ‘moment by moment’ thoughts. A technique involving paying attention to the present moment. It helps us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings so that, instead of being overwhelmed by them, we are better able to manage them.
With many of us facing a lot of uncertainty over the last year, there has never been a better time to start practicing mindfulness.
The theory behind mindfulness is that by using various techniques to bring your attention to the present (usually focusing on your body and your breathing), you can:
- Notice how thoughts come and go in your mind. You may learn that they don’t have to define who you are, or your experience of the world, and you can let go of them.
- Notice what your body is telling you. For example, tension or anxiety can often be felt in your body (such as in a fast heartbeat, tense muscles or shallow breathing).
- Create space between you and your thoughts, so you can react more calmly.
Practising Mindfulness can support us all in many ways. It can help us to:
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- Feel less overwhelmed
- Increase positive thoughts about how you think and feel
- Help to manage stressful situations
- Think more clearly when making decisions
- Reduce anxiety
- Reduce depression
- Reduce stress
- Take time for yourself
- Reduce worry
- Become more self aware
- Feel calmer in difficult situations
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Mindfulness can be done anywhere at anytime, you can be sitting down, lying down or even out on a walk.
Guided meditation is the best way to start practising Mindfulness. Try one of the following sites to support your journey:
Headspace – Check out their specific Coronavirus Mediation support page