Why is Mindfulness helpful?

What is Mindfulness?

Let's start with defining what mindfulness means. Mindfulness involves being aware and present with our behavior, thoughts and feelings. And as a result, we become more intentional rather than reactive.

With mindfulness, you are aware and more present rather than dwelling just in thoughts or worries. When we are not mindful, we tend to be overly fixated on the future and/or ruminating about the past without us realizing it.

Mindfulness has had a bad rep; as it has been often associated with a mystical, religious practice. However, mindfulness is rather a way of living life with intention.

Many faith practices do indeed involve meditation (which is part of learning to be mindful). It is likely due to the fact that meditation encourages individuals to reflect, learn and grow. Science proves that mindfulness practices help to improve our mental health.

What does Mindfulness involve?

Practicing mindfulness may involve learning to meditate. This is because for us to be "mindful," it requires us to regularly step back and be still (or intentional).

Think of this as a skill building activity just like when you exercise to build strength or stamina. You don’t necessarily question if your muscles are getting stronger minute by minute when you are exercising.

Same for when you are practicing mindfulness by meditating. Leave the analyzing and assessing aside while doing the breathing exercise. Lean to stay through it even if you have thoughts. That’s okay.

Meditating for a few minutes a day will give you a chance to learn not to be distracted by your thoughts. It’s natural to have a busy mind in this day and age. It will train your mind to be more in tuned and "alert" you when you are not being present.

As a result, we are less likely to be just caught up with our inner world.

What is Meditation?

Meditating in itself has various forms, including breathing practices, walking exercises, and/or even sound or music related activities.

The goal of mindfulness is to rewire your brain for the long term resulting in changes in behavior, perspectives, and feelings. The short term side-effect (and a positive one) of meditation is calmness.

The rewiring of the brain is a long term benefit; as you will no longer be tugged around by your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. You’ll be able to better discern the choices you have when faced with adversity.

Over time, you find yourself having more resilience when facing difficult emotions. Even a 5 min breathing exercise will help you to experience calmness (just as a marathon runner would from taking a water break). Research has shown that 12 mins a day is most helpful to make changes in your brain.*

Is life a sprint or a marathon?

The key to perseverance in our lives is to be able to find ways to reset your mind and body when needed. Mindfulness offers an opportunity to do that in a practical way, while living a busy life.

What are the benefits of Mindfulness?

As you experience awareness and intention through mindfulness, you may find that you begin be less reactive and/or stay more present.

Your goals and choices will likely be more meaningful and intentional. Your relationships and self esteem will tend to improve over time.

What does Mindfulness look like in daily life?

If you are not sure whether you are mindful or if you wonder what is involved in a daily routine when you are mindful, this fun quiz may be helpful.

And if you have further questions about how meditation helps with stress and anxiety, check out this short video by Andy Puddicome.

• Article -NYT, Dr. Amishi Jha

Karen Lau, LCSW 2/17/23