Mindfulness Simply Means Awareness

Practicing Mindfulness is a skill that will continue to be emphasized in 2020. It can help you manage stress, be present in the moment, and focus on the task at hand.

Mindfulness simply means awareness

You intentionally pay attention to the present moment while putting aside your everyday tendencies.

In a 2018 study, Harvard scientists found that the mere act of clearing your mind for 15 minutes each day alters how your genes operate. They also found mind-body practices that create a relaxation response can reduce blood pressure.

But how do we make Mindfulness part of our everyday lives?

The key is to start practicing in the moments that work best for you.

• After waking—- A mindfulness practice first thing in the morning set the ‘tone’ for the rest of the day. Whether you’re sipping a cup of coffee or brushing your teeth, take a moment to concentrate on your breath. Deep breath helps bring more oxygen into your body and improve blood circulation. Then zero in on the sight, sound, smell, taste, and feel of these activities
• While waiting—- Make the most of your time instead of starting at your phone or feeling frustrated while waiting. Ed Halliwell, co-author of the book The Mindful Manifesto, suggests that while you wait you should focus on “the flow of the breath in and out of your body, from moment to moment and allow everything else to just be, even if what’s there is impatience or irritation.”
• While eating—- Choose good foot while using all your senses to explore, savor, and taste. Be mindful of physical hunger and cues that guide your decision to begin and to stop eating. For example:

1- Eat in a set place. Sitting at a table is better than your desk or on the couch

2- Focus on what you’re about to eat with a sense of gratitude

3- Concentrate on the act of eating. Chew your food slowly. Take in the texture and the sensations in your mouth

It may seem like a lot to remember, but the key is finding small ways to incorporate mindfulness into everyday moments. Soon, you’ll be on your way to a more mindful and healthier day.

How do you practice Mindfulness?

LAMSA’s note: Thank you Dr Stella for your collaboration