MINDFULNESS IN HEALTH
When was the last time you “checked out” to simply live in the moment? Do you remember? Is it something you practice often?
Chances are, you’re shaking your head “no” right now. Most of us do NOT enjoy the moments as they pass. We rush through the day, moving through our routines and busy schedules.
So, what is “mindfulness,” and how do you achieve it?
First off, I want to tell you that being mindful is a CHALLENGE. But you’re up for it! Why? Because practicing mindfulness helps in so many ways, you’ll soon realize you can’t live without it.
Mindfulness toward your health is shown to
- help manage stress
- cope with serious illnesses
- reduce anxiety and depression
People who regularly practice mindfulness have an increased ability to relax, a greater enthusiasm for life, and higher self-esteem. They even have better relationships. The best part? It’s within your reach! (Yes, even you, busy mama/working woman/student/etc.)
Slowwwwww down.
Our current culture places great value on how much we can do at once, and how FAST we can do things. Everything is at our fingertips! Technology abounds and there are so many shortcuts. Yet…do you still feel like you’re running on empty and never getting it all done?
Enter in practicing mindfulness.
It’s not something new (in fact, it’s an ancient practice). It is something most of us have fallen out of touch with. Mindfulness is being completely aware of what’s happening RIGHT NOW — inside you, and around you. It means not living on “autopilot.” It means experiencing life as it unfolds: Moment to moment, from good to bad, without judgement or preconceived notions.
Simply put….Mindfulness = Wellness
If you could describe wellness in one word, many experts would say “mindfulness.” Being mindful can help you lead a healthier lifestyle by helping you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Here are three main components to mindfulness in health:
1. Mindful eating
Mindfulness means paying attention to your thoughts, actions and self (body). How many times have you opened that snack food and mindlessly eating it while watching your favorite TV show? When you aren’t paying attention to what (or how much) you’re eating, you are not nourishing your body. Mindful eating means eating when you are actually hungry, focusing on EACH bite, enjoying the food, and stopping when you’re full.
2. Mindful movement
Many people assume, “Oh, you mean yoga, right?” But no, not exactly (although you could achieve mindful movement doing yoga). Mindful movement engages your body in exercises with all your focus on the movement of your body and your breathing. You feel the weight of your body on your feet, the position of your back when you’re sitting or stretching. Chances are, you overlook these aspects 99% of the time. By drawing your attention to them, you can gain a moment of stillness and relaxation. When you move mindfully, your breathing supports the movements, your attention helps you feel and appreciate the actions. It’s the BEST and most effective way to get the most out of any physical activity.
3. Mindful thinking
Throughout mindful practices, you may realize how much your mind races. You can’t help but focus on the past and future. As you notice these thoughts entering your mind, slow down and take a breath. Return to the present moment.
Practicing it anywhere…anytime
You can practice mindfulness anytime of day, even when you’re sitting in the middle of a meeting or answering e-mails, driving in traffic or waiting in line at the grocery store. All you have to do is let yourself become more aware: Pay attention to your breathing, feel your feet on the ground, the curve of your spine, the clothes on your body, your fingers typing, the people and voices around you, etc.
Decide what is most important to help you achieve more mindfulness in your life. Maybe it’s journaling for 5 minutes every morning (great for self-reflection and practicing gratitude). Or perhaps you want to “feng shui” your office/bedroom/reading nook/bath tub/etc. If your life is full of clutter, chances are your mind is, too! Create a space just for you, and take a few minutes a day to practice mindfulness in that special place.
Adding these small steps to your lifestyle will slowly start to add up to a more mindful, healthy life. Do you have other tips for practicing mindfulness? Share them in the coming days on Instagram and tag me (@MelHarrisNutrition)! You might see me reshare on my IG stories for the week!
