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
I am currently taking 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.
- Using the telephone
- Going up or down stairs or steps
- 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 researching Mindfulness I came across the ‘Smiling Mind’ website and their ‘app’ which provides free guided mindfulness meditation programs. Click Here to read more about the Smiling Mind programs.
In my next post we look at Nourishing our Mind and our Body
Let’s Keep Sizzling!
37 Comments
I’m working on my meditation and use a really helpful app called Headspace. I feel like I’m finally understanding a bit more about how to do it!
Hi Rosie, I’ve heard of Headspace so will check it out.
I’m the queen of non-mindfulness sometimes. Strangely, I find doing housework puts me back in mindfulness. It take me out of my head and back in my body. Plus, my house gets clean, a win-win. Thank you for this reminder.
Laurie, I was undertaking a meditation course last Sunday and they suggested that even brushing your teeth and concentrating on the action is a good way to be mindful and in the present. At least your house will be sparkling and whatever way you can achieve some mindfulness is great – everyone is different.
Yes, totally relate. So many things we do are on auto-pilot. I love meditation and often forget about how valuable it is. Love this post!
Thanks Carolann. I’ve not been able to meditate but went to a course last week and came away with a totally different perspective. I’m sure I will find it much easier now.
Yep, mindfulness is all the rage these days. The latest buzz word. Meditators have been doing this for a long time. I can’t say it comes naturally to me, though!
Yes I know another buzz word but I’m doing a course on Strategies for Successful Ageing and they suggested that as we age we need to be more mindful of what we are doing in the present. It doesn’t really come naturally to me as I always have several things buzzing around in my mind and juggling them all.
Awareness is the best gift we can give to ourselves. Without it we do not really live our lives, we just move through time and space. Great reminder and group of articles.
Thank you Nancy. Sometimes it isn’t easy to be aware as life gets in the way but I’m starting to try to make a conscious effort to be more in tune with what I’m doing at any given moment.
Being in the moment and taking time out of the hurly burly of life can do so much to revive our minds and our spirits – it should be something we all take time to do more often.
I went to a Meditation course last weekend with my friend and felt fabulous after 3 hours. I’m going to be writing a post about it because I came away with a different perception of meditation.
A great post – my mind is often wandering when doing the mundane – -am going to try and concentrate more! Thanks fornudging in the tight direction ?
The last sentence should’ve read: Thanks for nudging in the right direction!
Yes I got that 🙂
My pleasure Linda! I’m the same – mind always racing. I’m doing something but thinking of a million other things at the same time. However, our brains need a break and being mindful and present in the moment helps that.
Seems as if lots of people don’t find mindfulness easy – glad I’m not alone in that! One way that helps me to stay in the moment and not drift away into worry land is if I describe to myself (in my head) what I am doing. I am filling the kettle. I am switching it on. I am listening to it heat up. Etc etc. It really does help me. But meditation – it’s a nightmare if I do the sitting with eyes closed thing. Painting is the best way to meditate for me – or doodling and then colouring in my doodles.
Gilly! That is exactly what I’ve learned through a course I’m doing on Strategies for Successful Ageing. They suggest when brushing your teeth or filling the kettle you thinking about what you are doing that moment. I wish I could paint as I think it would take you to another world and definitely bring relaxation.
I struggle with this all the time, Sue. Thank you for the reminder. I am also intrigued by the class you are taking and plan to check it out!
Oh I do too Molly. I think most people do but we need to be aware of the benefits and try to be mindful at some point in the day. The course is great and FREE I can give you more info if you need it.
I haven’t tried mindfulness techniques yet, but I probably should.
I think it is difficult to be mindful but if we try a little each day it can become a habit.
[…] The Benefits of Mindfulness and Mental Health […]
I’m not sure why I am uncomfortable with the word mindfulness, but I love the habit. I need some quiet time to myself to think and reflect and plan. It is when I hear my deepest inner voice talking to me, and it is never wrong. When I don’t get this time I feel rushed and disconnected.
Yes Michele perhaps because it can sound like a ‘buzz’ word. I don’t think it matters what it is called as long as we take time to be kind to ourselves and focus on the moment.
mindfulness is what that you are trying to achieve.i need something peaceful rest my mind.
Thanks Michael
I could do with less mindless eating at night, that’s for sure! Gotta get back to what I know works for me – eating more during the day. Then I don’t feel the need to eat at night.
Yes I agree I’m the same Vanessa I really need to stop and enjoy the taste and sensation of eating, especially if I have a good wine to accompany the meal.
Interesting – I often look at fb while brushing my teeth – opps!!
Oh now that sounds like a talent Lydia!
I really really need to practice mindful eating. I’ve gotten better with mindfulness in other areas, but the food thing is still challenge.
Yes I’m the same Ness. Sometimes I eat something and don’t even realise I’ve been eating!
I pick washing my hair for my mindful task! Love this post, Sue!
SSG xxx
Oh yes, SSG a nice long head massage sounds perfect! xx
Great post and I too have done a course with future learn. Mine was about mindfulness and meditation and was an Australian-Uni based project.
Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek. On Mon 11 Sept #LifeThisWeek turns one and that is the prompt! Next week: First car/bike.
Yes they have some great courses Denyse and I like that it is self-paced. Never too old to learn. xx