Holistic Approach: Mindfulness
At Body Care Health & Chiropractic we have a holistic approach to health. Rather than looking simply at symptomatic areas of the body, we like to look at the body as a whole, the link between the mind and the body.
We live in a stressful world often facing pressures from work, family, money and not to mention the daily rush. The great thing is that you don’t necessarily have to put aside time to be mindful, you can practice mindfulness while you are going about your daily activities. Or if you do have time to put aside you can create mindfulness through meditation.
Benefits of Mindfulness
- Stress and anxiety level can be reduced as you learn to better direct and manage your thought processes
- It will become easier to think clearly and you will become more effective in your decision making
- It will bring a sense of calm to your everyday life
- Improved memory and attention
How to practice and create Mindfulness
It takes time and practice so don’t worry if after a few attempts you are still finding yourself getting distracted or frustrated. Essentially Mindfulness is creating a mental state where you are aware of the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations. It isn’t about emptying your head but turning your attention to your breathing, body and senses.
- Focus: on your senses. Be aware of what you can hear, see, smell and feel
- Breathe: be aware of your breathing. Is it fast or slow? Deep or shallow? Don’t try and change it, just be aware
- Concentrate: on what you are doing. Be aware of where your body is and what you are doing at that particular moment in time
- Judgement: don’t pass judgement on anything. Be aware that things are there and perhaps happening around you, but do not let them impact you
The mind is a powerful thing and should be embraced. It has the ability to affect your health both positively and negatively. Try not to get frustrated if you lose concentration, like all things creating Mindfulness takes time and practice.
