Mindfulness

 Mindfulness is all about being in the present moment. 

There are health benefits to mindfulness, including 

    decreased anxiety

    decreased depression

    decreased stress

    decreased rumination (dwelling on negative thoughts and experiences)

 Mindfulness contributes to neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to change in response to experience 

Mindfulness can help with 

    executive functioning (skills that you use to manage everyday tasks)

    emotional regulation

    fight, flight or freeze response 

    higher reasoning (critical thinking and problem solving)

You can practice mindfulness any time. 

Even a few minutes a day can be beneficial.

Examples of mindfulness activities are

    mindful eating

    movement, such as yoga and stretching

    being in nature

    journaling 

    breathing exercising

    practicing gratitude

a few examples of breathing exercises are

    box breathing

    4-7-8 breathing

    candle blowing breathing

    humming bee breathing

Because my disability affects my lung capacity, I haven't been successful with the first two types of breathing exercises. I was recently introduced to the other two types, and they are easier and more helpful for me. 

Ways you can incorporate mindfulness into your day

    Take a few deep breaths when you wake up

    Observe your surroundings during your daily commute

    Move and stretch during work breaks

    Listen fully during conversations 

Mindfulness is beneficial for your brain, your physical health and your emotional health. 

There are books and apps to learn more about and help you practice mindfulness. 

    Apps:

        Headspace

        Calm

        Insight Timer

        Smiling Mind

        Mindfulness Daily 

        Aura 

And here are a few links too:

From NIH: Mindfulness for Your Health | NIH News in Health

From Mindful.org: What Is Mindfulness? - Mindful

From Psychology Today: Mindfulness | Psychology Today

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