Have you been under a lot of stress lately? Are you having a difficult time coping with all your responsibilities and everything happening in the world? Don’t worry, because you are not alone.
We live in challenging times, and it’s totally understandable if things can get overwhelming sometimes. That is why you should make time for things that are good for your mental health. One way to reduce your stress level and increase your calmness is mindful meditation.
But what is mindfulness exactly? According to an expert from the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, mindfulness means knowing directly what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment. It is being fully aware of what’s happening to you at the moment as opposed to ‘living in your head,’ which can be tempting if you have a lot of things on your plate.
Becoming more aware of the present can help you enjoy things as they happen and understand yourself better. It can also help you deal with intrusive thoughts and take control of yourself. To add to this, as per Greater Good Magazine of Berkeley University, mindfulness affects many aspects of our psychological well-being–improving our mood, increasing positive emotions, and decreasing our anxiety, emotional reactivity, and job burnout.
But how exactly do you incorporate mindful meditation into your life? According to the New York Times, you should aside some time out of your day for formal meditation, and make that part of your routine. Even just a few minutes per day can make a huge difference.Â
Next, you should choose a comfortable spot. It would be ideal if you meditate in the same location each day. Find a position wherein you can sit upright, and where you won’t be too distracted.
Lastly, sit still and pay attention. Train your mind to focus on the ‘now.’ Empty your mind of your worries and discipline yourself to focus on the present. Relax. Basically, all you need is somewhere to sit, and a little willpower. Some people prefer listening to podcasts to get them in the zone, while there are those who prefer the sound of silence.
Mindful meditation is a simple practice that can transform your life for the better. It improves your overall disposition and helps you manage whatever life throws at you in a healthy way. Best of all, it’s free. Make it a habit, and take control of your thoughts today.
