Miscellaneous
What is mindfulness?· It’s a state of active, and open attention to the present. · Observing one’s thoughts and feelings without judging them as good or bad. · To live in the moment and reawaken to the present, rather than dwelling on the past or looking forward to the future. Basically being “in the moment.” Ways to practice mindfulness: · Meditation· Listening wholeheartedly· Observing your breathing, eating mindfully, walking mindfully, showering mindfully · Get lost in the flow of doing things you love · Setting an amount of time without devices/electronics, etc. Benefits of mindfulness · Lowers stress, bolsters immune system· Restores emotional balance, reduces anxiety, reduces depression· Increases resilience· Reduces physical pain, reduces fatigue · Improves sleep quality· Improves concentration, uncovers your own blind spots · “Among its many benefits, mindfulness meditation has actually been proven to increase telomerase, the ‘caps’ at the end of our genes, which, in turn, can reduce cell damage and lengthen our lives.” (Firestone, Lisa “Benefits of Mindulness.”) Tips for Listeners for Improving Mindfulness: · Take a minute to quiet your mind, if it’s not working, you need to practice some of the methods listed above. o Keep a mindfulness log to track progress (can add it to your gratitude journal as well) · Try focusing on one thing at a time, or slowing down (put the devices down) · Meditate, or just take 5 minutes to sit quietly and pay attention to your breathing· Spend time in nature· For work: Try following the 20/20/20 rule. o Every 20 minutes, walk 20 feet away from your desk, for 20 seconds§ If you can’t do every 20 minutes, then do it for 60 minutes and walk 20-60 feet away from your desk for 60 seconds. § Take time to stretch out during this time, this will also help your muscles and bones recover from sitting all day. Sources: 1. Firestone, Lisa. “Benefits of Mindfulness.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 6 Mar. 2013, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201303/benefits-mindfulness.2. Young, Karen. “13 Different Ways to Practice Mindfulness - And the Difference It Can Make.” 13 Different Ways to Practice Mindfulness - And the Difference It Can Make -, 16 Jan. 2017, www.heysigmund.com/different-ways-to-practice-mindfulness/.3. Mindworks Team Mindworks. “5 Ways to Improve Mindfulness: Mindworks.” Mindworks Meditation, 29 Oct. 2019, mindworks.org/blog/5-ways-improve-mindfulness/.