Mindfulness has gotten a lot of attention over the last several years. While the practice itself is nothing new, it’s become more “popular” as a tool to help with anxiety, trauma, and stress.

The good news? It deserves all of that buzz!

When done correctly, mindfulness meditation can reduce stress levels and make it easier to manage anxiety.

Unfortunately, when many people hear the word “meditation,” they turn the other way. It’s easy to get stuck on stereotypes when it comes to meditation, but you don’t have to follow any specific rules to do it effectively.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at mindfulness meditation, and why it can be an important resource in your life.

What Is Mindfulness Meditation?

Combining mindfulness and meditation is meant to help you slow down, calm down, and let go of negative thoughts that could be fueling anxiety.

There are several different techniques you can apply to this practice. But, most of them require you to practice deep breathing and focus on the present.

Simply find a comfortable, quiet place where you won’t be distracted or interrupted. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Notice the way you inhale through your nostrils and how your stomach rises with each breath.

Take note of your thoughts, but don’t hold onto them. You can’t stop thoughts from entering your mind, but it’s up to you what you do with them. While practicing mindful meditation, acknowledge those thoughts before letting them go.

What Is the Point?

Many people use mindfulness meditation as a part of their daily routine. It can set the tone for your day and help you to fight off negative thoughts from immediately taking over.

Others use it “as needed.” When you’re experiencing a lot of stress or feeling anxious, you can essentially hit “pause” on your day and take a few minutes to mindfully meditate.

This practice is so effective because it forces your mind and body to slow down – even for a short period. That can be an effective resource when you’re feeling overwhelmed, which is why so many people use it as a management tool.

Research has identified many positive benefits of mindfulness meditation, including reducing stress, lowering your blood pressure, improving pain management and improving anxious and depressive symptoms.

Making Mindfulness a Part of Your Life

Including mindfulness in your everyday routine will make a big difference in how you feel. But, remember that it’s a “practice.” The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll become with it.

You can choose to be more mindful in everyday situations to maximize the effects of mindfulness meditation. Look for opportunities to slow down and focus on the present. That might be when you’re brushing your teeth or doing household chores.

You can even choose to be mindful while you exercise. Instead of distracting yourself by watching something on TV or listening to music, choose to center yourself, focus on your breathing and how you feel, and let go of anxious thoughts that could be holding you back.

Mindfulness meditation is something you can start on your own. There’s no perfect way to get started as long as you’re committed to focusing and releasing your thoughts.  The important thing is to bring more mindfulness into your daily life, whether you do that through starting a meditation practice or by being more mindful in your day-to-day life.

About: Chanderbhan Psychological Services is a therapy practice located in Laredo, Texas. We help individuals and couples who are struggling in different areas of their lives gain the clarity they need to grow and change. We also offer video counseling services to individuals located in the wider State of Texas. To read blogs on mental health and relationships, visit our website.