​Mindfulness is a practice that has been found to be a key element in stress reduction and overall happiness. Mindfulness has many definitions. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the creator of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program in the 1970s says:

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“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”

 

"Mindfulness is a practice of gently focusing your attention on the present moment and being fully engaged with whatever you're doing at the moment — free from distraction or judgment."

 

Or simply said,

“Mindfulness is noticing what is happening right here, right now with a kind and caring attitude.”

 

Research shows that a regular mindfulness practice has many benefits. Mindfulness can help with the recognition and regulation of emotions. It can help you calm down when you are angry, sad, frustrated or have any difficult emotion.

 

Mindfulness can also help you notice when you are experiencing positive emotions such as happiness or joy, so you can savour them longer. Mindfulness can help improve attention and focus, which can help you improve your performance in school, sports, music or other activities. Mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety; build resilience; improve relationships by being more kind and compassionate to yourself and others; and enhance your well-being.

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BEING MINDFUL CAN....

• Reduce stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety

• Increase resiliency to cope with further stressors

• Improve attention and creativity

• Boost the immune system and lower blood pressure

• Enhance focus, concentration, productivity and decision-making ability

• Help regulate difficult emotions and savor the pleasant ones

• Improve sleep and enhance overall well-being

• Increase kindness and compassion for self and others, improving relationships

• Boost mood and self-esteem

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Mindfulness is a superpower!

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Try the 5,4,3,2,1 grounding exercise to help you focus on the present moment and calm a busy mind. Make note after you try the activity how are you feel. Do you feel more connected to your surroundings and the present moment? Did this activity help calm your busy mind?