Mindfulness and Meditation are both magical new habits to form. Both are a training practice for your mind teaching you to slow down, to find inner calm for your mind and body.
If 2020 taught us anything it was to slow down, to be mindful and to reinvest in the time you have with yourself for yourself.
For some people slowing down is near impossible, but like all new habits, practice makes perfect.
These days most GP's will signpost their patients towards these practices. There is robust scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of both mindfulness and meditation.
Well, let's start with Meditation.
Meditation is an intentional practice, where you use focus to increase calmness, concentration, awareness, and emotional balance and you are usually in a seated position.
Mindfulness is the simple act of paying attention and noticing and being present in whatever you’re doing.
When you are being actively mindful, you are noticing the world around you, as well as your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Here are 10 reasons why everyone should practice these techniques for complete wellbeing:
#1 Reduces depression, anxiety, anger and irritability
#2 Helps control your thoughts
#3 Provides a sense of calm and peace
#4 Reduces stress
#5 Improves brain concentration and focus
#6 Lowers Blood Pressure
#7 Calms the 'monkey mind'
#8 Reduces pain and enhances your body's immune system
#9 Induces physical relaxation
#10 Improves sleep
So, there we have it, a list of magical, wonderful benefits that both practices can bring into your daily life.
If its 3 minutes or 30 minutes, choosing to dedicate this quiet time for yourself is the epitome of self-care for your mind and your body.
Acknowledgments and References: Mind Body Green, Deepak Chopra, Stacey Wilson Wellness
Reasons to Meditate (chopra.com)
Click on any of the blue hyperlinks for further information regarding Mindfulness and Meditation : The Essential Guide To Meditation With Charlie Knoles (mindbodygreen.com)