What is the meaning of mindfulness? One of the most commonly cited definitions of mindfulness is the awareness that arises through “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally” (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). Mindfulness is a type of meditation practice where you focus entirely on the present moment without judgment.
Why should you incorporate a mindfulness meditation practice into your daily life? Mindfulness practices are positively associated with psychological health. Research has shown that meditation may decrease stress, anxiety, symptoms of depression, insomnia, & help to reduce blood pressure.
How can you incorporate mindfulness in your everyday life?
- Start your day off on the right foot. When you alarm goes off on your phone, avoid scrolling through social media, emails, photos, etc. Simply turn your alarm off and take time to notice how your body is feeling, tune into your breath, & take 3 deep belly breaths to centre yourself.
- As you move through your day, pay attention. Whether you’re eating your lunch or out for a midday walk, take time to experience moments and tune into your 5 senses. What do you see, taste, hear, smell, & feel?
- Find joy in the little things. Try a new recipe, watch the sunset, brighten up your space with flowers, stop to smell the flowers, draw yourself a bath, enjoy the silence, try a new creative activity such as colouring, drawing, or painting. Discover the little things that bring you bliss.
- Practice mindful eating. Avoid distractions while you eat and take time to truly enjoy the food on your plate. Set your utensils down between bites to give yourself the time to taste the food and notice the flavours in every bite. What’s the point of cooking if you don’t take the time to enjoy the meal you prepared!
These are just a few of the many ways you can incorporate mindfulness in your everyday. If you have other practices that work for you, we would love to hear about them! Comment below to share your mindfulness experiences with us.