Being mindful
5th Pillar of Wellbeing
Another way of looking at 'Being Mindful' is paying attention to the present moment.
Mindfulness, or being mindful, in today's society is the last of the of the 5 pillars of wellbeing. Mindfulness is more than just a trendy buzzword; it's a powerful practice that can transform the way we live and experience life. In this blog, we explore into what mindfulness is, why it's considered a pillar of wellbeing, and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine.
Understanding Mindfulness
At its core, mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of the current moment, without judgment. It involves paying deliberate attention to your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the environment around you. Mindfulness invites you to observe these aspects of your life without attempting to change them or label them as good or bad.
Having understood the environment around us, we can then respond in the most appropriate way - as the quote suggests.
You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.
Jon Kabat-Zinn
The 5th Pillar of Wellbeing
- Reducing Stress: One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of mindfulness is its ability to reduce stress. By focusing on the present moment, you can distance yourself from anxious thoughts about the future or regrets about the past. This can lead to decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol and a sense of calm.
- Enhancing Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness allows you to observe your emotions without reacting impulsively. This enables you to respond to situations more thoughtfully and less emotionally. Over time, this can lead to better emotional regulation and increased emotional resilience.
- Improving Mental Health: Numerous studies have shown that mindfulness can be an effective tool for managing and preventing various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It provides individuals with the skills to better cope with challenging thoughts and emotions.
- Enhancing Physical Health: Mindfulness isn't just about mental wellbeing; it can also benefit your physical health. Regular mindfulness practice has been associated with lower blood pressure, improved sleep quality, and a stronger immune system.
- Boosting Focus and Productivity: In our hyper-connected world, distractions abound. Mindfulness sharpens your ability to concentrate by training your mind to stay on task. This heightened focus can lead to increased productivity and better decision-making.
Incorporating Mindfulness into Your Life
- Start with Breathing: One of the simplest ways to begin practicing mindfulness is by focusing on your breath. Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly, close your eyes, and pay attention to your breath as it goes in and out. When your mind wanders (as it inevitably will), gently bring your focus back to your breath. (We offer a selection of breathwork sessions as part of on-demand library).
- Mindful Eating: Instead of rushing through meals, savor each bite. Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and smells of your food. Eating mindfully can enhance your enjoyment of meals and promote healthier eating habits.
- Body Scan: Lie down and mentally scan your body from head to toe. Notice any areas of tension or discomfort. This practice can help you release physical tension and become more aware of your body's signals. Often at the end of a yoga classes, we include the process of body scanning at the end , in savasana)
- Mindful Walking: Take a walk outdoors and pay attention to each step. Feel the ground beneath your feet, notice the rhythm of your steps, and observe the world around you. Walking mindfully can be a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. In our yoga classes we often talk about, grounding ourselves by noticing the contact between ourselves and the mat).
- Daily Mindfulness Routine: Set aside a specific time each day for mindfulness practice. Whether it's in the morning, during a break at work, or before bed, having a dedicated time can help you establish a consistent routine. One way to do this is to stand outside, stop and take notice of the sounds, winds, views around around you.
Embracing a Mindful Life
Incorporating mindfulness into your life may take time and practice, but the benefits it offers to your wellbeing are well worth the effort. It's not about achieving a state of eternal bliss but rather about cultivating an awareness that allows you to navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease and resilience.
By embracing mindfulness as one of the pillars of your wellbeing, you can experience a shift in how you perceive and engage with the world around you. By doing so it can help you lead a richer, more fulfilling life—one that unfolds in the present moment, where the true essence of living is found.
To recap you can read our previous blogs
