Mindfulness is the act of bringing one’s attention to the present moment with an attitude of curiosity, openness, and acceptance. Mindfulness can also help people manage their emotions more effectively, whilst also helping to improve physical health by reducing stress levels and providing a sense of calmness.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is not about trying to stop thoughts or feelings that come into your mind. Rather, it is about developing an awareness that allows you to stop judging your thoughts and feelings as good or bad. This way, you are able to detach yourself from the judgmental aspects of your mind, which often cause stress.
Mindfulness is the practice of deliberately paying attention to the present moment, while acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment.
Some people find it easy to be mindful of their thoughts and feelings in certain circumstances. Others find it more difficult to be mindful in different circumstances. The circumstances that may make it more difficult for someone to be mindful include:
- Stressful or emotionally charged situations
- Difficult or painful feelings
- Painful memories
- Physical discomfort
How to Achieve Mindfulness in a Day
The first thing that you need to do is to take time for yourself. Whether you meditate, workout or just take a walk, this will help you become more mindful by taking time out of your busy day for yourself, to ensure you’re giving yourself some much-needed ‘me’ time.
One good way to become more mindful in a day is by having a routine. This helps you focus on the present moment so that nothing else is going through your head except what’s going on right now. Lastly, be sure not to multitask! By doing this one thing at a time, it becomes easier for us to focus, and ensure we’re committing ourselves to the mindfulness practice.