What is Mindfulness?

What is Mindfulness?

Dealing with the pandemic and the constant influx of challenges, from family life to work life, has made this past year a tough one, to say the least. That’s why it has never been more important to take care of our mental health. When our minds are so occupied with stress, anxiety and to-do lists, it leaves very little time for us to be still and connect with the present moment. Luckily, this is where mindfulness can help. Mindfulness is about learning how to calm our mind and refocus our attention on the here and now so we can take on life’s challenges with a clear and steady outlook. 

To learn more about this practice and how it can benefit you, read on.

Mindfulness in a Nutshell

Mindfulness, which is a meditative practice rooted in Buddhism, is about learning how to become aware of our thoughts and feelings. Through guided meditation, we begin to focus on our breathing, which helps settle both the mind and body. In today’s busy world, it is an invaluable practice for learning how to slow down, pay attention, live in the moment, and accept yourself without judgement.

What are the Benefits of Mindfulness?

Improves Mental health

Mindfulness has shown to have numerous benefits for our overall health and wellbeing, including our mental health. It can be effective for treating anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, low self-esteem, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and more. 

It Teaches You to Live in the Present

Being mindful changes our attitude towards life. It helps foster a more positive outlook by teaching us how to enjoy each present moment instead of constantly worrying about the future. By refocusing on the here and now, it creates a greater sense of pleasure. It makes us more engaged and connected to the people and experiences around us. 

Helps Us Deal with Adversity

As we become more mindful, we become more grounded which gives us a greater ability to adapt and stabilize our emotions. This helps us deal with adversity and painful events that can arise throughout our lives. It also teaches us how to respond rather than react.

Benefits our Physical Wellness

Chronic stress can be toxic and dangerous for our physical health which is another reason why mindfulness is so important for our wellbeing. Refocusing and calming our thoughts has shown to lower blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease, and reduce chronic pain and stress.

If you’re interested in learning more about mindfulness and how to get started with this practice, contact us at Ottawa Counselling today to arrange a virtual appointment.