Mindfulness

Idioms such as “stop and smell the roses” refer to the importance of being present in the moment. That’s what mindfulness is about. It’s about taking the time, the moment that you are in, and experiencing what is happening and what you are doing without latching onto feelings, not over analyzing things, and instead accepting things as they are without judgment.

Mindfulness is a type of meditation that has been shown to have multiple benefits including:

1. Reduction of anxiety and stress

2. Reduction in physical and psychological pain

3. Lower blood pressure

4. Improve immune response

5. Improve sleep

Mindfulness can be practiced at any point during the day regardless of what you are doing. You can use this practice when you are seated, standing or walking. Anyone can do it and it does not require any specific tools and you don’t have to join a class.

A helpful acronym to recall is STOP

Stop what you are doing

Take a deep breath to center yourself in the present moment

Observe what is going on with your body, emotions and mind without attaching feelings or judgment

Proceed with whatever it was that you were doing and incorporate what you have just learned