Mindful May
Mindfulness is a term that is thrown around a lot these days, but do you actually know what it means?
Mindfulness originated from Buddhist principles. In Buddhist teachings, mindfulness was used to develop the knowledge and wisdom that would lead the person towards enlightenment. Mindfulness has since been integrated into many modern-day theories and practices.
When we talk about mindfulness in psychology, we encourage a person to focus on the present. As humans, this is not something we are typically very good at! We are generally either replaying things that have happened in the past, or thinking about what will happen in the future. Mindfulness involves focusing our attention on what is happening inside us and around us, in that moment, without judgement. We are slowing down and focusing on one thing at a time. We are using our senses to notice the environment around us, and how our body feels, at that very moment. As thoughts and worries come into our mind, we notice them, and them let them go, taking our focus back to the here and now.
Mindfulness has been found to help us in so many ways. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It helps to improve relationships by keeping us engaged with our loved ones in the present moment, rather than being absorbed by distractions. Being mindful at work and focusing on one task at a time actually increases our productivity. Multi-tasking helps less than we think! Research also shows that mindfulness has many health benefits, including chronic disease management, and helping to reducing pain.
Join us this month, as our team participates in “Mindful May”, aiming to be more mindful every day. Some ways you might like to build mindfulness into your day include:
Going for a mindful walk. Notice what the ground feels like below you as you take each step. Notice what the weather is like. Is it a sunny, blue sky day? Is there a breeze or an Autumn chill in the air? What colour are the trees and the grass? Are there flowers in the garden beds? Can you hear any birds around you?
Eating mindfully. My favourite thing to eat mindfully is chocolate! What does the chocolate feel like as you pick it up? How does it smell? How does it feel against your lip? As you place it on your tongue, let it sit, don’t chew immediately. How does it feel on your tongue? What does it taste like. Slowly allow it to melt and notice the flavours and the texture. As you slowly start to chew, continue to notice the flavours and textures inside your mouth.
Drink your tea or coffee mindfully. Notice what the cup feels like in your hand. How heavy is it? What texture does the mug have? How hot or cold is it? What does the drink smell like? Take a sip, but don’t immediately swallow. Let it sit on your tongue. Notice what it feels like. What is the temperature? How does it taste? As you slowly begin to swallow, continue to notice these sensations.
What can you do mindfully this month?