What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the awareness of the here and now. It is the awareness of our thoughts, feelings, body sensory (smell, touch, hear, taste, see) all our surroundings and environment. Research has found that mindfulness has many physical and mental health benefits.
- Research has identified that mindfulness increases positive emotions. The brains chemical release of Dopamine and Serotonin. Dopamine can be described as the regulator for movement and emotion, meaning seeing the reward and going out to get it. Serotonin on the other hand is a mood stabilizer, it helps the body regulate sleeping, eating and digestion. When your body runs like clockwork you feel good physically and mentally! Studies have found that mindfulness helps us focus and improve our memory.
- Research has also found that mindfulness increases the density of grey matter in the brain regions which is linked to memory and emotional regulation.
- Mindfulness gives individuals the ability to focus better as memory and attention skills have increased.
- It helps tune out distractions.
- Research has found that mindfulness can assist with healthier eating habits. This is through “mindful eating”.
SOME MINDFUL ACTIVITIES TO START YOU OFF…
- BODY SCAN: In a quiet area close your eyes and start off from your toes and work your way up to your head. Be aware and accept the sensation of the body parts, your feet on the ground beneath you, the sensation of sitting in the chair, your hands resting on your lap, your heart pumping, and your breathing.
- WALKING MEDITATION: We often take our everyday movement for granted. Go for a walk and notice your steps as you walk, the feeling and sensations. Observe your surroundings, the trees, sky, birds and the air you are breathing.
- FOOD EXERCISE: As you sit down to eat ensure there are no distractions like the television or music. Before you eat look and observe your food, the colours, and the smell. Now each mouthful try and identify the flavours of each food that enters your mouth. Feel the sensation of the mouth preparing to try the food such as salivary gland releasing saliva. Taste and savour the flavours in your mouth.
- LOVING AND KINDNESS: Extend compassion to yourself and appreciate your being. Then extend this love to someone close to you then branching out to someone who is an acquaintance, then someone who may have done you wrong or given you a hard time. The last step is extending your love and compassion everywhere.