It took me a considerable amount of time to understand how excessive pessimism and stress were burdening me.
Mindfulness is an aspect that numerous individuals tend to ignore due to the misguided belief that they lack sufficient time. My experience with mindfulness has been quite intricate. My life continues to become more hectic as my obligations multiply. The most daunting realization is that I am aware my life will not become easier; eventually, I will have the added responsibilities of homeownership and raising children to consider in the future.
Initially, I believed this implied I didn’t have time for mindfulness. Full-time employment and graduate studies felt like all I could handle. I reasoned that my thought process was sensible: “If I’m so busy, how can I possibly slow down?” Yet, the reality was quite the opposite. As I felt increasingly suffocated by the stress of life and my numerous tasks, I recognized that I needed to make a change.
I’m a pragmatic, occasionally cynical individual. However, I had to discover a way to be more conscious of my thoughts and their impact on me. It was the extensive research on mindfulness that prompted me to explore it further.
Mindfulness need not be intricate or consume your entire day — it all depends on your approach.
“Mindfulness isn’t something that occurs spontaneously. It’s a skill that you cultivate over time through consistent practice.” — Joshua Felver, PhD, psychology professor at Syracuse University
Even minor adjustments can create significant effects. This was the most profound truth I initially struggled to accept. Mindfulness has allowed me to feel more engaged in the present and appreciative of the now, even if I simply engage in a ten-minute meditation on Clubhouse or practice deep breathing while showering. Mindfulness can integrate into your daily routine, even if it’s just five minutes of mindful breathing.
Mindfulness gives me the impression that time isn’t escaping.
In a sense, this embodies the true essence of “being present.” The notion that we only exist one moment at a time and everything else is beyond our influence can be intimidating. Mindfulness alleviates some of that fear by providing greater clarity regarding current circumstances rather than living an automatic existence — without allowing ourselves to sink too deep into negative thoughts or despair.
As Shakespeare noted, brevity is the soul of wit, and even brief episodes of meditation or mindfulness can significantly alter your day.
For instance, today was one of my office days in person. In the morning, as I was preparing, I felt quite fatigued and stressed, despite just waking up. However, I attempted to listen to a guided meditation that lasted only five minutes, and the deep breathing and visualization techniques helped improve my mood somewhat.
You must identify which mindfulness practices resonate with you.
There are numerous approaches to practicing mindfulness. I’ve experimented with various methods: meditation, yoga, gratitude journaling, and even simply taking deep breaths to remain calm under pressure (which surprisingly proves effective).
However, you need to discover what suits you best if you intend to make it a habit.
For instance, I adore yoga. You may not. That’s perfectly fine; you simply need to explore until you uncover what you enjoy. It could be something like reading a book, taking a brief walk each day, or something a bit unconventional in the mindfulness realm. The crucial aspect is that it helps you feel present in the moment and enables you to calm your mind.
Mindfulness has enhanced my ability to cope with everything life presents since it has aided me in being present and not allowing other factors to annoy or stress me. Mindfulness encourages you to concentrate on what is vital at the moment instead of fretting about the future or ruminating excessively on the past — while also preventing you from becoming overwhelmed by either.
Gratitude journals serve as excellent resources for mindfulness.
“This isn’t merely a passive breathing exercise. It is a vital brain-training tool.” — Vernon Williams, MD, neurologist
One of the most beneficial tools for me has been gratitude journaling. A close friend of mine commenced this practice through therapy for her battle with depression, and her therapist described how this technique can assist anyone in feeling more centered and content with their life.
Gratitude journals rank among the best methods for practicing mindfulness. You can jot down a list of things you appreciate when you wake up each morning, before bedtime each night, or at random moments during the day. Gratitude journaling compels you to focus on what truly matters in your mindfulness practice. Intentionally writing down three to five things you are grateful for each day effectively trains your mind to recognize that life isn’t solely about stress and issues.
It might not seem substantial, but making yourself contemplate the positive aspects of your life can