Over the last decade, the concept of mindfulness has gained so much traction in the world of pop psychology.
If you visit the self-help section of your local bookstore- you’ll be hard pressed to find one book that doesn’t at least mention the topic.
But if you’re still somehow unacquainted with the term in 2023, mindfulness is the practice of focusing on learning how to be more aware of our thoughts, feelings, emotions, surroundings and situations.
Research has shown that mindfulness can help reduce depression and regulate mood.
For those who face depression, there can be an overwhelming voice in the back of your head telling you that you’re a failure, a burden, or a waste of time/space/potential.
But mindfulness can help you focus on the present moment instead of overthinking past or future events.
But what does practicing mindfulness actually consist of?
Well, the answer to that question is far-ranging. Mindful tools can include yoga, meditation, grounding techniques, mindful walking, breathing exercises, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, etc.
Some video games even provide an outlet for practicing mindfulness, with their relaxing moods, themes, stories, and music, like the indie game Journey, which I personally play for this reason!
It’s about relaxing, taking your time, and enjoying the little things, instead of rushing to your destination.
Mindfulness is going to look different for everyone and not every exercise will be a fit for you, and that’s okay.
Continue to try out as many as you need- maybe circling back to some as you develop.
Mindfulness experiences are so customizable- you get to determine the activity, the amount of time you spend doing that activity, and the headspace you’re in while engaging in that activity.
Maybe it’s a 5 minute breathing exercise- or it’s a week-long mindfulness retreat!
The point is, mindfulness can fit into your schedule and into your life, we just need to make that initial leap!
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