Mindfulness is a state of being where one focuses their attention on the present moment. And although this may sound simple, it can be anything but. Often times letting the mind just settle on the current moment can be extremely difficult. Playing through past experiences in our brain or worrying about what might or might not happen in the future can take up a lot of bandwidth in our psyche. Some may argue that we need to spend time ruminating about the past in order to learn from our mistakes. Others might state that planning for the future and setting goals is a way to ensure success. And although both of these things are true, it is also important to not neglect the current moment. More and more research is showing that finding ways to practice mindfulness is not just a good idea, but has some serious benefits.
1. It is good for your physical body.
A practice of mindfulness can help promote awareness of one's body. It can also help when there are problems within the body. It may seem counterintuitive that focusing on the pain one is experiencing can actually be of benefit, but studies have shown that it can be a very smart addition to any chronic pain management system. By paying attention to the pain, without judgement, individuals begin to understand the pain. They understand that there are high and low points. That it isn't always the same pain. They also begin to breathe, thus lowering their stress response.
"Mindful eating" is another way that mindfulness can benefit overall physical health. Researchers at Duke university used mindfulness therapy with a group of binge eaters and found that it helped participants enjoy their food more and feel like they had more control over what they ate.
Another way in which mindfulness can help our physical bodies is by helping to improve our sleep. Insomnia has been connected to all kinds of health concerns from obesity to cancer. But by practicing mindfulness, you are able to let go of negative thoughts and worries, relieve stress, and allow for relaxation. Here is an awesome link to a 10 Step Mindfulness Practice to Better Sleep.
"Mindful eating" is another way that mindfulness can benefit overall physical health. Researchers at Duke university used mindfulness therapy with a group of binge eaters and found that it helped participants enjoy their food more and feel like they had more control over what they ate.
Another way in which mindfulness can help our physical bodies is by helping to improve our sleep. Insomnia has been connected to all kinds of health concerns from obesity to cancer. But by practicing mindfulness, you are able to let go of negative thoughts and worries, relieve stress, and allow for relaxation. Here is an awesome link to a 10 Step Mindfulness Practice to Better Sleep.
2. It is good for our psychological health.
A practice of mindfulness helps relieve feelings of stress. Scientists have discovered that practicing mindfulness is connected with a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol. Why is that important? High levels of cortisol in the body can impact our metabolism, our body's ability to heal, and weaken our immune system - as well as make us vulnerable to a litany of other health problems. (Yes, we are back to Mindfulness is good for our physical body.) If stress levels are decreased and there is less stress hormones circulating through our bodies, we are more able to cope with the daily stressors presented to us.
Mindfulness has also been shown to reduce feelings of depression and other negative emotions. By giving our system a break from negative thoughts, we lessen the overall hold that the negative thoughts have on our psyche. We begin to make room for other emotions and experiences. Mindfulness also allows for more connection with others which helps break through the isolation that often accompanies depression.
Self awareness is another benefit of mindfulness. As an individual begins to practice mindfulness, they become more aware of their current moment and their thoughts without judgement or feeling that they need to fix them. A study through Harvard and Northeastern University showed that a practice of mindfulness actually increased compassionate behavior. So perhaps practicing mindfulness can improve the relationship we have with ourselves and others.
Mindfulness has also been shown to reduce feelings of depression and other negative emotions. By giving our system a break from negative thoughts, we lessen the overall hold that the negative thoughts have on our psyche. We begin to make room for other emotions and experiences. Mindfulness also allows for more connection with others which helps break through the isolation that often accompanies depression.
Self awareness is another benefit of mindfulness. As an individual begins to practice mindfulness, they become more aware of their current moment and their thoughts without judgement or feeling that they need to fix them. A study through Harvard and Northeastern University showed that a practice of mindfulness actually increased compassionate behavior. So perhaps practicing mindfulness can improve the relationship we have with ourselves and others.
3. It is good for our brains.
Schools are beginning to understand how teaching young children how to meditate can positively impact the learning environment. Mindfulness programs are found to decrease levels of stress in students and promote focus- two things which are necessary in order for the brain to be ready to learn. Another study found that a two week mindfulness training program actually improved testing scores of students taking the GRE.
The brain is an amazing organ that we now know can continue to make immense changes throughout our life span. Scientists have a firmer grasp on how emotional triggers and trauma can impact the overall functioning of the brain. A consistent mindfulness practice has been shown to actually make changes in the amygdala brain region's response to emotional triggers - even when the brain is not actively meditating at the time of the trigger.
A meditation practice has also been connected with other positive brain changes such as an increase in the protective tissues for neurons called myelin and in an increase in axonal density, which are the signaling connections in the brain. Researchers feel that these changes can help protect an individual from mental illness,
So go on a hike, smell the outdoors, feel the wind or lack there of, notice your surroundings, count your breaths, and take in this very minute. It is good for you.
The brain is an amazing organ that we now know can continue to make immense changes throughout our life span. Scientists have a firmer grasp on how emotional triggers and trauma can impact the overall functioning of the brain. A consistent mindfulness practice has been shown to actually make changes in the amygdala brain region's response to emotional triggers - even when the brain is not actively meditating at the time of the trigger.
A meditation practice has also been connected with other positive brain changes such as an increase in the protective tissues for neurons called myelin and in an increase in axonal density, which are the signaling connections in the brain. Researchers feel that these changes can help protect an individual from mental illness,
So go on a hike, smell the outdoors, feel the wind or lack there of, notice your surroundings, count your breaths, and take in this very minute. It is good for you.