This blog will exploring the benefits of mindfulness and how we can incorporate it into our daily lives.

As Buddha would say, what we do today is what matters most. Every day is a new day and by making a small effort to be more mindful, you will reap the benefits. So, if you are interested in learning about mindfulness meditation, read on!

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a form of meditation with roots in Buddhism. It helps us develop skills and techniques to cope with the daily challenges a busy life can bring such as stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness involves making a special effort to give your full attention to what is happening in the present moment –and to what's happening in your body, mind and/or your surroundings.

Caroline Stewart, AWARE Mindfulness Trainer says,

"Mindfulness can help us step back from being lost in our thoughts. We learn how to appreciate each moment and it shows us a different way to relating to and coping with sensations, emotions, thoughts and feelings.”

Becoming more aware of the present moment can help us enjoy the world around us and help us to understand ourselves better. When we become more aware of the present moment, we begin to experience afresh things that we have been taking for granted such as nature, our livelihood, loved ones, and even the taste of food!

Benefits of mindfulness

Mindfulness is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence as a technique to reduce stress and prevent the recurrence of depression.

It is a tool that, when used effectively, can bring many benefits including:

  • Reduced Stress - Mindfulness increases ability to cope with higher stress levels causing less emotional exhaustion.
  • Improved mood - practicing mindfulness for even 5 minutes a day can significantly improve your mood by helping you respond more enthusiastically to change and embrace challenges more dynamically.
  • Enhanced ability to deal with illness - practicing mindfulness will not take away symptoms of an illness but it can help you manage them better, particularly in the current situation!
  • Improved sleep - Practicing mindfulness can help you manage the chatter in your mind as you drift off to sleep.

How to practice mindfulness

If you are already a mindfulness advocate or if you’re a complete beginner, there is no better time to get involved!

AWARE Board Member & Founding Member, Helen McDonnell of Indigo Life Coaching, will be running a 5-day online mindfulness challenge for Mental Health Awareness Week (10th – 16th May). The sessions will run over zoom and are free, with a suggested donation to AWARE to help us continue our work. There’s still time to get involved in the Thursday evening and Friday sessions.

The sessions will introduce participants to mindfulness practice and its benefits.

To join these sessions, please visit the Indigo Life Coaching website for more information.