Experiencing the benefits of practicing mindfulness might seem like a privilege in the 21st Century, when in fact, it should be as easy as breathing in oxygen. Life, as we know it now, is incredibly fast-paced, challenging and often, overwhelming.
Never-ending innovation, unstoppable disruption.
Feeling calm and aware of the present is tougher than ever with the constant chatter and thousands of opinions being thrown at you from all directions. All this mental fatigue can lead to harbouring judgements and pre-conceived notions in our minds.
Moreover, it seems virtually impossible to focus on the present when you are trying to juggle a multitude of tasks. Your mind is too busy thinking of the past or the future instead of really being present in the moment.
How do you get rid of all the clutter? How do you empty your mind and focus?
That’s where mindfulness comes in.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the conscious practice of feeling and being in the present sans judgement. It is a way to acknowledge and experience each moment as it happens. This includes your present thoughts, sensations, feelings and surroundings. Furthermore, it is important to know that practicing mindfulness is not a one-time activity. You should look to practice it as a habit. In fact, it should be a part of your daily routine and lifestyle.
Benefits of Mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine also helps you focus on your body and immediate surroundings. It’s all about feeling and cherishing each moment as it comes.
Let’s take a look at five benefits of practicing mindfulness:
1) Reduces Emotional Suffering
Mindfulness can reduce your emotional pain and improve your well-being. A lot of negative responses and negative connotations attached to such situations like jealousy, hatred and anger can be completely avoided when we have the power to respond differently.
2) Improves Mental Health
When you are more aware and calm, you effectively deal with stress and anxiety. As you become more mindful with time, you learn to deal with problems in a more controlled and positive manner. Your mind can also stop feeling burdened by situations that might have felt like gigantic roadblocks in your life earlier.
3) Leads to Greater Mental Clarity
Mindfulness helps you focus on the things that really matter and when they really matter. It helps you take better care of yourself. Your mind is devoid of any stress, anxiety, judgement or pain. Consequently, you are better equipped to focus on the present and every emotion that you feel in that moment.
I’d even go so far in saying that achieving mindfulness is the modern-day equivalent of attaining enlightenment.
4) Aids in Increasing Creativity
Constant exposure to distractions and disruptions hampers creativity. Our mind can’t help wandering when it is focuses on everything and nothing at the same time. Mindfulness can help our mind to tackle problems more efficiently with increased focus and amplified cognitive functioning.
That’s why a lot of people suddenly have fresh ideas or solutions to existing problems after going for a run or taking a relaxing vacation.
5) Brings Balance to Your Life
When you start being more grounded, it’s easier to have a higher emotional quotient. This helps you in taking balanced decisions which are more controlled and less driven by emotions or irrationality.
