Mindfulness is a buzzword of this generation. Do we know its full benefits? Do we understand what it is to be mindful? When do we take notice of the things around us? Take time to think about what we are doing. What our bodies are feeling and what’s going on in our heads and around us. Being mindful can take place anywhere. Using our senses. Quickly, effectively and discreetly.
We explore how developing a positive mindset through mindfulness can support us to: Increase our happiness, raise low self-esteem, help support time management & help people to cope with mental health conditions.
Looking at unusual ways in which we can approach mindfulness but with a few of the traditional thrown in!
So why mindfulness?
With the stresses and strains of modern life, it’s easy to get caught up in our troubles and worries. Being mindful of and noticing what is good around us. Paying attention to our thoughts and feelings. Allowing ourselves to enjoy the good and understand ourselves better.
The NHS said that NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ) guidelines showed that mindfulness prevented depression from re-starting in those who had 3 bouts or more in the past. (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG90/ifp/chapter/About-this-information) Showing what an impact it can have.
But what would you prefer? The feel of a bannister or a yoga session? This isn’t a trick question. As Professor Mark Williams explains:
"An important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience. This means waking up to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. That might be something as simple as the feel of a bannister as we walk upstairs.
Stress.org has an alternative offer for us called ‘Rub a dub dub!’ Turning your daily shower into a sensory experience. Can be adapted to washing your hands throughout the day, and even washing the dishes! Another choice involves “Adding Purpose To Waiting’. The theory looks to replace the frustration of waiting for an appointment, someone to call you, or queueing in your favourite coffee shop, with something mindful to support mental well-being. Looking at the room as if it's the first time you’ve been there and seeing what’s there. Taking in the smells and sounds of the coffee shop. (https://www.stress.org/12-fun-mindfulness-exercises)
They have plenty of other ideas including;
Mindfulness from the earth
Mindful food practice
Mindful listening and
Shaping your environment
Some simple suggestions that are easily accessible. Don’t take long and can be done alone or with others. Perhaps the most striking thing about this is that you can be mindful without anyone knowing what you are doing! Or make it clear with a timetabled session.
It’s not all about the short and simple though, prefer the traditional route? Feel the need for something that lasts a lot longer? Both the NHS and stress.org advocate similar alternatives such as;
Yoga
Meditation &
Tai-chi
Implementing and analysing the Grab and go!
This Mood self-assessment quiz consists of 18 multiple choice questions which give you a depression score and an anxiety score. Then some links and suggestions centred around mindfulness. As well as general health and well-being. A good measure to utilise before and after starting on your journey through mindfulness. Pick up one idea and try it once a day for a week. Assess how you’re doing. Increase gradually. If it doesn’t work try something else!
Grabbing onto that positive mindset
It's important to know the difference between mindfulness and a positive mindset. Our mindset is essentially our thoughts and behaviours. In comparison, mindfulness is about moments in time. Learning about ourselves and the world around us. Developing a positive mindset is a more onerous task. This is made more difficult by the stresses and strains placed on our bodies. With the cost of living heaping pressure on our shoulders, the difficulties of having Long Term Health Conditions and day-to-day events. Achieving that positive mindset can seem like a distant hope. One we look to focus on next time.
For now, have a try at some of these basic exercises and see how you go!
*Please remember that these blogs are very real to us. We are on the same journey and it’s tough, slow and frustrating. Most of the Scenarios we face ourselves. Sometimes we find and print useful but at other times we don’t. However, we include it because everyone's journey is different and we like to have this passionate perseverance to help others as much as possible. To dispose of it all would be a waste and a disservice to our readers.
stress.org - 12 Fun Mindfulness Exercises
NHS - Self Help Tips - Mindfulness
NHS - Mood Assessment Quiz
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