What is mindfulness and how can it help with our mental health?
Mindfulness is simply being aware of the present moment without judgement or shame. It’s enjoying what is happening right now and not worrying about the past or present. It’s allowing feelings to exist without letting them take over. It’s letting thoughts go as easily as they come up. It’s accepting our current circumstances with love.
From a research point of view, mindfulness has been shown to help people manage stress, depression, addiction and anxiety. It has also been shown to help with some health conditions, such as chronic pain.
From a personal point of view, mindfulness changed my life (which is why I utilise mindfulness with all of my clients). I incorporate mindfulness into my day-to-day life by using various tools and techniques. My favourite and most common are meditation, yoga and journaling. But I also love to use mindfulness while in traffic, going for a walk or doing the dishes.
Since I’ve incorporated mindfulness into my day-to-day life, I now:
recognise when anger, stress or anxiety is building up and can actively begin to let it go or stop it before I’m overwhelmed
enjoy the small moments of time with my family, by myself and just in life in general
can go months without needing any pain relief for my chronic back pain
sleep so, so much better (longer hours of sleep and much better quality of sleep)
heal any parts of my past that trigger me in the moment
Mindfulness is a tool that we learn and strengthen over time, it will take a little practise to be able to add it into your day-to-day life, but if you commit to utilising mindfulness, your life will never be the same.
Mindfulness is a key part of the work I do with clients so if you’re ready to explore this any further, let me know!
With love & support,
Shorina | Mindful Soul Collective
Counsellor & Wellbeing Coach
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