Tips on practicing Mindfulness
There are so many reasons why being more self-aware through techniques like Mindfulness is helpful to living a balanced life.
During uncertain times our ability to be agile and patient is challenged. Building a strong mindfulness practice for yourself can make life and stressful times feel more at ease.
Don’t know where to start? Well we have a few ideas from the experts that can give you daily practical ways to integrate Mindfulness into your life.
Firstly: What is it Mindfulness:
Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.
SmilingMind Australia explains Mindfulness as:
Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity and without judgement.
The Facts in Australia
Mindfulness has been around for 2,500 years and has been part of psychological therapies since the 1970s.
Mindfulness can help reduce stress, boost creativity, improve attention, working-memory and concentration and strengthen relationships.
Mindfulness can help manage depression, anxiety, chronic pain, suicidal ideation, addiction recovery and relapse prevention and eating disorders.
So what are the Benefits:
Mindfulness can: help relieve stress, treat heart disease, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, improve sleep, and alleviate gastrointestinal difficulties.
Science backed reasons to practice Mindfulness according to Forbes:
1. Mindfulness Reduces Anxiety
2. Mindfulness Meditation Reduces Implicit Age and Race Bias
3. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) May Prevent And Treat Depression
4. Increase Body Satisfaction
5. Mindfulness Meditation Improves Cognition
6. Mindfulness Meditation Help The Brain Reduce Distractions
Ideas on how to practise mindfulness in your everyday life:
Bring attention to your breath
This can be done anytime anywhere and is a great way to easily get in tune with your body and relax your mind. Take a few minutes and observe your breath. Try start with some deep breaths and let your thoughts continue as you focus on your breath.
Try Meditation
There are so many types of meditation styles you can try. If you don’t know where to start try downloading an apps or looking at a Guided Meditation option on playlists like Spotify or even on Youtube.
App ideas include: Smiling Mind, Headspace & Calm.
Go for a walk outside
Try taking a relaxing stroll and to pay attention to your breath on each step. Spending time outside can be recharging and letting ourselves breath the fresh can be rejuvenating.
Create a journal
Writing and journaling is a great way to reflect on your thoughts and feelings in a private safe manner. Using this as a personal check-in point and acknowledging your feelings
For more ideas and tips head to Headspace.
If you are struggling and need support, please reach out to student support.
Reminder: Be kind to yourself.
For more tips and student inspiration check out our blog.
