Mindfulness Exercise to Calm Your Mind
Building mindfulness into your everyday life can be a challenge. We start to think that maybe we won’t know if we’re doing it right or not.... if it will work... if it will be difficult...or if we will fail at doing it.
What people don't realize is the power behind practicing mindfulness. It can help build a stronger mind, completely free from anxiety and unwanted emotions.
So what is Mindfulness? According to Mayo Clinic, its a type of mediation which focuses on being aware of what you're feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body, mind while reducing your stress. Its a proven method of calming your mind, and in some case relieving anxiety as well.
There are simple ways to practice mindfulness in your day to day life:
If you prefer to follow a structured mindfulness exercises, try these:
What people don't realize is the power behind practicing mindfulness. It can help build a stronger mind, completely free from anxiety and unwanted emotions.
So what is Mindfulness? According to Mayo Clinic, its a type of mediation which focuses on being aware of what you're feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body, mind while reducing your stress. Its a proven method of calming your mind, and in some case relieving anxiety as well.
There are simple ways to practice mindfulness in your day to day life:
- Pay attention: try to take the time to experience your surroundings with all of your senses — touch, sound, sight, smell and taste.
- Live in the moment: intentionally bring an open, accepting and discerning attention to everything you do. Find joy in simple pleasures of your life.
- Accept yourself: treat yourself the way you would treat a good friend.
- Focus on your breathing: when you have negative thoughts, try to sit down, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Focus on your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Sitting and breathing for even just a minute can help.
If you prefer to follow a structured mindfulness exercises, try these:
Full Body Scan Meditation
This exercise teaches us awareness of our bodies, breath, sensations and thoughts. It's similar to the Savasana pose - lying on your back with your legs extended and arms to your side, palms facing up. Focus your attention slowly and deliberately on each part of your body, in order, from toe to head or head to toe. Be aware of any sensations, emotions or thoughts associated with each part of your body. |
Sitting Mediation Sit comfortably with your back straight, feet flat on the floor and hands in your lap. Breathe through your nose and focus on your breath moving in and out. If physical sensations or thoughts interrupt your meditation, note the experience and then return your focus to your breath. |
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