How mindfulness can change your life
Mindfulness
is a word that has been floating around for quite some time, coming under the umbrella
of health and wellness- it is a term that is used to describe our mental state
and being aware of what we are doing in life. Mindfulness can be used in many
contexts, but notably it is known as a very simple yet effective form of
medication, where you focus your full attention on your breath, your mind and
your body. Many health experts and public figures swear by this form of meditation,
and there have also been many apps and books released on how to find your peace
of mind and become more calm.
It’s no
secret that meditation has long been a therapy used in many different cultures
to help a person find themselves and become more at one with their mind and
body. Some of the earliest written records of meditation come from the Hindu
traditions of Vedantism around 1500 BCE. Around the 6th to 5th
centuries, other forms developed in Taoist China and Buddhist India.
What can mindfulness do for you?
Over time
mindfulness can help bring long-term changes to your mood and happiness levels
as well as wellbeing. Scientific studies have shown that mindfulness not only
prevents depression, but that it also has a positive effect on the brain,
targeting anxiety, stress and irritability. It has also been found that your
memory and reaction times become much faster with your mental stamina
increasing. Mindfulness also reduces addictive and self-destructive behavior
including drug taking, alcoholism and self-harming. Doing meditation can also
improve the heart and circulatory system by reducing blood pressure and
hypertension.
How do you do it?
With the
practice of mindfulness being tried and tested much more in this digitally
engaged world, it’s much easier to find places and groups who offer the
practice. Seek meditation classes nearby and attend with a friend if you’re
nervous, or download one of the many apps available on app world. There are
also countless books available on mindfulness, meditation and how exactly to do
it that you can easily practice from the comfort of your own home.
When will I see results?
The effects
of mindfulness meditation depends how much you practice. Most people find that
it takes at least 20 minutes for the mind to begin to settle. But in terms of
long term, you must invest your time and yourself into the art of meditation,
many people have found it to improve their lives but most after weeks maybe
months of meditation – it is not an instant gratification exercise and each person
is different, your outlook and willingness to learn will determine how much it
changes your attitude towards life.
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