How Mindfulness can improve your Health
HOW MINDFULNESS CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH BEING MINDFUL HAS SO MANY POSITIVE EFFECTS ON OUR HEALTH AND OUR WELL-BEING. IN THIS ARTICLE, YOU WILL FIND SOME INTERESTING FACTS THAT MAY HELP YOU TO REDUCE YOUR STRESS LEVEL AND FEEL BETTER.
MULTITASKING - the contrary of mindfulness
Oh well, so many things need to be done in our lives. Be successful in your job, have children stay young, fit, and dynamic, and always be on the latest trends. E-mails must be replied to within minutes; the smartphone is your best friend. Some people even stare at it while working out and have it next to their bed, just in case someone essential calls at midnight. I get angry when people run into me in the streets because they stare at their mobile phones—no time for breakfast. Luckily we have "coffee to go," which saves us so much time in the morning (I don't even want to discuss the environmental aspect of all that plastic rubbish). Multitasking has become a trend, often resulting in less quality since you focus on many different things simultaneously. I (and I consider myself a "social media junkie") have set up a few rules for myself: never use a smartphone when I am eating or exercising (at least). And the little thing never makes its way into my sleeping room.
GET RID OF NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
To be clear - I am not at all against healthy ambitiousness. We need, of course, to exercise and also test our limits from time to time. There is no doubt about this. However, enjoying the present, rather than thinking about the future without all those negative thoughts, is likewise essential. That's mindfulness. I admit that this can be challenging. It would help if you had patience and time.
MINDFULNESS CAN REDUCE YOUR STRESS LEVEL
Mindfulness has become a trendy term that is sometimes overused. It means so much more than paying attention or looking at something. We are so busy with things that happened in our past or anxious about our future. Mindfulness means becoming conscious about the moment. And why is this so important? Because it serves our well-being and even our health. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of the "Stress Reduction Clinic," recognized many years ago that practicing mindfulness helps to manage stressful situations. As a result, it can reduce physical and mental pain.
FOCUS ON THE NOW
As a first step, mindfulness means focusing on the moment and my activity. For me, breathing is essential in this context. How often do we notice that we are just breathing superficially? Take a few deep breaths here and there, particularly in stressful situations or when you are mad about someone. Instead of writing a nasty e-mail immediately (which you may regret later), take a deep breath, preferably outside, and slow down. For me, practicing yoga twice or three times a week always reminds me of correct breathing. I also take a few minutes after my (sometimes demanding) "asanas" (exercises) to meditate for a few minutes.
REMEMBER TO BREATHE
I am inspired by the book "Der Selbstheilungscode" (The Code for Self-healing) by Tobias Esch, a German doctor and health researcher. I now take a little time for some daily meditation. No worries, you don't have to go into a monastery, and meditation is nothing detached. A quiet place at home is sufficient to meditate for a few minutes. I admit that focusing on the current moment without disturbing thoughts is not that easy. It requires some practice. And if you want it, you will find a few minutes in your hectic daily schedule. Just switch off your phones, laptop, and TV, sit or lie down (I prefer the latter), close your eyes, breathe consciously, and try not to think of anything. Thoughts will come to your mind; this is normal and not a problem. Many of these thoughts may be harmful; try to let them go. A yoga teacher has once described this in a significant way: "Put your thoughts on a cloud and push that cloud away." The so-called body scan may help – breathe into your body parts, beginning with your head and going down slowly until you reach your feet. Imagine you are breathing into these individual body parts.
MINDFULNESS MAKES YOU STRONGER
And why all this? Research has revealed that mindfulness reduces stress, and in the best case, it can even reduce pain and improve your health. The latest research proves that positive emotions and relaxation – apart from balanced nutrition and exercise – can help to mitigate chronic health problems such as asthma and back pain.
Mindfulness also reinforces your soul. Watch – accept – let go is the principle. What does that mean? Don't overthink about negative things of your past, you cannot change them anymore. Make peace with yourself, get rid of a feeling of guilt, and old negative stuff.
"Above all, mindfulness is great for your sense of self-regulation and, in a literal sense, for your self-confidence. This includes improved body cognition and control of emotions and attention. All this contributes to boosting your health", says Tobias Esch.
My little contribution to mindfulness is supposed to be something other than a directory. After all, I am not a doctor or therapist. I am writing to motivate you to look into this exciting subject. Get some books about mindfulness – Jon Kabat-Zinn has published many.
I have posted a few articles on related topics, have a look:
Wishing you all the best – and ... be mindful!
