Making TIME for Mindful March – Action for Happiness

March is here and so too another calendar produced by Action for Happiness, filled with ideas of how we can be more Mindful in March. I’ve attached a copy at the end of the post that you can save for reference.

Do you find yourself often in a state of existing on ‘auto-pilot’?  Doing things without even realising you are doing them? When we are stressed or anxious or depressed or just wanting to cope with everyday life, the practice of being mindful can help.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is based on Buddhist meditation principles and has been used in treatment of depression.  It is a practice that helps you to focus and pay attention to what you are doing right now and noticing what you are experiencing at any given time.  Too often, we are worrying or caught up in a busy lifestyle without really experiencing life itself.

Benefits of Mindfulness

• Mindfulness brings you ‘in the moment’
• Helps you to clear your mind,
• Teaches you to forget about the past or future and just appreciate the moment you are experiencing.
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Helps to slow down your thoughts
• Helps you to focus
• Aids relaxation
• Improves immune system

Practice being Mindful

Several years ago, I took a course through futurelearn.com about Successful Ageing.  One of the topics covered is Strategies for managing fear and worry.  In this topic Mindfulness is discussed and Brian Lawlor, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.  Professor Lawlor explains how we can be start being mindful in everyday life.

Choose any of the activities mentioned below and see if you can remember to pay attention while you are doing it. You do not have to slow down or even enjoy it. Simply do what you normally do, but pay full attention to what you are doing, rather than getting caught up in thoughts, fears or worries. Notice all the bodily sensations.

• Going up or down stairs or steps
• Using the telephone
• Brushing your teeth
• Showering
• Washing your hair
• Eating

Every time you drift into thinking, just acknowledge that you have had a thought and then bring your attention back to noticing these sensations (e.g. your body on the chair, sounds in the room, the taste of what you are eating). Practising mindfulness over time reduces stress and gives people a better sense of control over their lives.

In one of my earlier episodes of the Women Living Well After 50 Podcast, I share some ideas for being in the moment and challenge for you to try them over the next week.  I also included a guided meditation for you to try.

You can find the link to the meditation HERE

Mindful March 2023 – Action for Happiness Calendar

I hope the calendar will help inspire you to take time each day to be present, to be mindful and to appreciate life.

Have a wonderful month!