By RMHP
No one likes dealing with stress. But, if we told you there was a proven way to cope with the stressors of life, would you be willing to give it a try?
The proven method we’re talking about is mindfulness, and it’s a great way to train your brain to better handle the things that stress you out most. Mindfulness is for everyone, and you don’t have to be a Zen master to reap the stress-busting benefits.
Mindfulness refers to, “the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.”
It sounds simple, but don’t forget that mindfulness is a skill that requires practice. Sometimes, focusing on the present moment is a piece of cake. Other days, your mind may fixate on future worries or things that happened in the past.
Clearly, sticking to mindfulness can be difficult. That’s why it’s so helpful to remember all of the ways being mindful helps reduce stress.
Focusing on the present is hard, but a regular mindfulness practice will allow you to develop the strength needed to battle future stressors. When things get tough, your mind’s resilience will help carry you through any struggles.
Thoughts lead to actions. Mindfulness can help you take a step back to analyze a situation before reacting with stress.
Mindfulness can help reduce behaviors that keep you lying awake at night, like worrying. With mindfulness, you begin to realize worrying about the past and future isn’t productive… it’s just stressful.
Stress has negative effects on your mind and body. It can quickly lead to muscle tension, soreness, headaches, and other ailments. A regular mindfulness practice encourages you to scan every muscle and limb, which means you’re more likely to notice pain before it becomes a bigger problem.
Mindful people tend to have an easier time immersing themselves in the task at hand. You’ll finish projects more efficiently and stress will be reduced.
When we’re stressed it’s tempting to focus on the negatives. But, mindfulness teaches you how to think differently about stress. Using a non judgemental approach, you’ll observe how stress makes you feel and act.
Relationships can be stressful. Whether it’s a friendship, romance, or family member, all of your close relationships will endure stress and conflict at some point. Luckily, mindfulness can relieve some of those feelings.
Mindfulness increases your emotional intelligence, both with yourself and with other people. After all, when you understand the inner workings of your own mind better, being empathetic to others is a natural response.