Living in the moment.

Trying to enjoy each moment may be good for your health, and this idea is called mindfulness. This ancient practice is about being completely aware of what’s happening in the present—of all that’s going on inside and all that’s happening. Mindfulness is also defined as a mental state achieved by focusing on the present moment and acknowledging one’s feelings and bodily sensations. Though Buddhist and other traditions practised mindfulness meditation, its use for psychology began in the 1980s when Jon Kabat-Zinn investigated its clinical benefit in managing persistent pain. The continual practice of mindfulness enables dynamic stability, mental quietness and self-sympathy. Mindfulness meditation exercises teach regulating stress levels, made possible by cognitive training tailored to ease alertness of the present moment, peace, and hesitation of dysfunctional ideas. Substantial evidence supports mindfulness intervention’s effectiveness in reducing stress and improving people’s well-being. Many demonstrated programs involve traditional nonnative meditation techniques, such as sitting reflection, yoga breathing exercises, instructed visualization, and body scanning. While these techniques are a central essence in meditation practices, mindfulness meditation is also employed to sustain states of dynamic stability during any activity. A sensation recognized as a flow state may occur when mindfulness practices are engrossed during activities. A state of flow is the total absorption in an activity attended by a sense of well-being, intensified emphasis and attention, loss of time, cessation of past or future incidents, and the capability to be conscious of the environment. People undergoing elevated stress levels due to pressure from work, the environment, exams, and family obligations would profit from mindfulness techniques to enable flow states.

Nevertheless, nervousness, lack of focus, patience or self-compassion are signs of a lack of mindfulness. Nowadays, we are attracted by so many impulses that our ability to focus and stay still is reduced. We feel the need to entertain ourselves and keep busy constantly. However, it is the intentional interludes that keep us productive. The active breaks lessen stress and allow energy to be regained. The demand for mental health services over the years has increased due to a rise in depression and anxiety, a reflection of the appalling well-being of people.

Studies suggest that mindfulness practices may help people manage stress, cope better with serious illness and reduce anxiety and depression. Many people who practice mindfulness report an increased ability to relax, a more tremendous enthusiasm for life and improved self-esteem. A significant benefit of mindfulness is that it encourages you to pay attention to your thoughts, actions, and body. For instance, being mindful helps maintain a healthy diet by being conscious of what is eaten.
However, the time for mindfulness in our culture can be a challenge. We value how much we can do at once and how fast. Still, being more mindful is within anyone’s reach. Mindfulness can be practised throughout the day, even while attending to e-mails, sitting in traffic or waiting in a queue. All that is required is to be more aware of your breath and environment.

So, before you roll your eyes again, take a moment and consider mindfulness.

#MMBA5