How Can I Benefit from Mindfulness?
Though mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist meditation, a secular practice of mindfulness has been shown to have physical and mental health benefits.
Current studies suggest that a regular practice of mindfulness:
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Boosts our immune system's ability to fight off illness
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Increases positive emotions while reducing negative emotions and stress
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Increases the density of gray matter in the brain regions linked to learning, memory, emotion regulation, and empathy
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Helps us tune out distractions and improves out memory and attention skills
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Makes couples more satisfied with their relationship, more optimistic, relaxed, and more accepting of one another
How Do I Practice Mindfulness?
Formal meditationn is not needed to cultivate mindfulness. A few key components of practicing mindfulness are:
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Pay close attention to your breathing, especially when you're feeling intense emotions
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Notice-really notice-what you're sensing in a given moment, the sights, sounds, and smells that ordinarily slip by without reaching your conscious awareness
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Recognize that your thoughts and emotions are fleeting and do not define you, an insight that can free you from a negative thought pattern
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Tune into your body's physical sensations, from the water hitting your skin in the shower, to the way your body rests in the desk chair