How Mindfulness Can Help Mental Health.
I have suffered from anxiety since a child. I daily struggled with it well into my mid-50s. Then I discovered mindfulness. Living a mindful life has changed me dramatically. In this article, I share mindfulness’s benefits and why it works.
Mindfulness has gained significant attention in recent years and for a good reason. Mindfulness has been proven to have many benefits for mental health and well-being. Mindfulness is an ancient practice which is rooted in Eastern philosophical traditions.
Mindfulness allows us to cultivate present-moment awareness, improving our mental health. Mindfulness is anon-judgment and acceptance of the moment you are experiencing. So you glean the most out of the experience, never missing anything . By incorporating mindfulness into our daily lives, we experience profound improvements in wellness.
The Mind, Body, Spirit Connection
In understanding how mindfulness can help us with mental health, we better recognize the inherent connection between the mind and the body. And I would also add to this the spirit.
Our thoughts and emotions have a direct impact on our well-being. When stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, our bodies respond accordingly, activating the fight-or-flight response and releasing stress hormones.
Over time, chronic stress can lead to various mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and even physical ailments.
For Christians, mental health issues can impede your relationship with God. Which happens when you can’t pray, read the Bible or attend church due to mental health problems. Mindfulness addresses this issue by helping you to develop a different relationship with your thoughts and emotions.
I get caught up in the never-ending stream of thoughts when anxious. I become overwhelmed by intense emotions and don’t know what to do with myself. Mindfulness has really helped me with this.
Mindfulness helped me to observe my uncontrolled thoughts without judgment or reactivity. It helped me to ‘’order’’ my thoughts and allow them to just ‘’be’’. Doing so creates a space between my will and my mental and emotional experiences, which allows me to perceive a better balanced and compassionate perspective. It allowed me to stand back and see the experience as it was- not as I imagined it to be.
Practice Mindfulness Daily
Research has shown that practising mindfulness regularly reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have demonstrated that mindfulness-based interventions, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), can be as effective as medication in preventing relapse in people who have experienced many episodes of depression. And that’s great news!
Additionally, mindfulness has been found to improve emotional regulation. Mindfulness works by helping us to respond to challenging situations in a more composed and adaptive manner.
The Key to Self-Awareness.
To become self-aware, we must hold every thought captive 2 Corinthians 10:5.
We do this by training our minds to stay present and non-reactive. Being present and non-reactive enables us to access our inner resources more efficiently. It allows us to choose more skilful and beneficial responses to stressors.
One of the critical qualities cultivated through mindfulness is self-awareness. We become more attuned to our needs and desires when focusing on our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Self-awareness enables us to identify better and address our triggers and vulnerabilities. And we develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Mindfulness Improves Relationships
Self-awareness through mindfulness has a positive impact on our relationships with others. By practising non-judgment and acceptance toward ourselves, we become more compassionate and empathetic towards others. It can enhance communication, reduce conflict, and foster deeper connections. Mindfulness also enables us to listen more attentively, improving our ability to understand and support others.
Mindfulness Improves Physical Well-being.
Mindfulness has been associated with physical health benefits. Chronic stress negatively impacts the immune system, cardiovascular health, and well-being. Mindfulness practice improves immune function, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the incidence of stress-related disorders.
Mindfulness Makes You Happy
In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions abound and our attention is often divided, cultivating mindfulness has become increasingly important. People are unhappy when they do not appreciate the present now. Training our minds to be more present allows us to appreciate and enjoy our lives better.
Mindfulness allows us to slow down. Let’s listen to our inner souls and find moments of peace and tranquillity within the hustle and bustle of daily life.
I hope this article has shed light on how mindfulness works. Mindfulness is a powerful practice and offers many benefits for your mental health and well-being.
Why don’t you start today to be present, non-judgmental, and compassionate towards yourselves?
Start Today to reduce your stress. To manage your emotions, and improve your relationships.
Today, cultivate a greater sense of happiness and fulfilment.
Today, incorporate mindfulness into your day. If you do, you will find it a valuable investment of time and effort.
Ask yourself, ‘’Is it worth investing in your mental and emotional well-being to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and authenticity?’’
And if this article has helped you in a small way, please like it and comment.
Thankyou for reading to the end. For more articles, visit Your Wellness Matters at www.paularoseparish.com. We collect Donations for Welsh Women’s Aid -Thrive Pt Talbot division. If you wish to find out more & donate, click HERE.
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I have worked internationally with over 40 years of experience, having a Bachelor of Pastoral Counselling and Theology and a Master of Arts in Counselling & Professional Development. BACP Life Coaching Certificate. I currently work as a Christian educator, blogger, author, and grandmother living with my two dogs in Wales, UK.
If you wish to connect with me, please do so on paularoseparish@gmail.com
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