We live in an extremely fast-paced society where our minds and bodies are constantly on the go.
Sometimes, we can be overwhelmed by our thoughts as we try to plan, problem solve and think about the day ahead.
Some thoughts can trigger feelings of anxiety and stress and once we find ourselves in this state, it can be difficult to reset.
Our aim is to raise self-awareness and challenge unhelpful behaviours before they become a problem. This is where mindfulness can help.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is something we can all do in our day-to-day lives. It is about bringing awareness to the moment you are in and recognising any thoughts or feelings you may be experiencing without judgement or explanation. Simply allowing the thoughts and feelings to just be present.
Mindfulness can be anything from focusing on your breath, to listening to relaxing music and noticing how that makes you feel. It can also be concentrating on the meal you are eating, without phones or any other distractions.
Why should I practice mindfulness?
In a world where we sometimes forget to put ourselves first, mindfulness does just that. It is a simple self-care practice that creates space for ourselves – to breathe, think and identify our emotions. It can also help to improve our overall concentration and attention span.
How do I get started?
Mindfulness requires regular practice, so just like exercise, the first step is to introduce it into your daily routine. For example, you could start off by changing eating breakfast on the go to allowing extra time in the morning to sit and enjoy your meal away from devices.
If you are going for a walk, take out your headphones and notice the sounds around you and how your body is feeling in that moment. Do you feel tension anywhere in your body? Are your steps feeling heavy? What do the elements feel like against your skin?
Whatever you are doing, if you’re giving your mind and body the space to breathe and just be, you’re practicing mindfulness! The most important thing to remember is to allow time for yourself each day.
If you are suffering from stress and anxiety and need assistance with mindfulness practices, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with the team at Embrace Wellness Consultancy.
