Mindfulness
Our fast-paced society fuelled by our desire to have it all has created a culture of stress and exhaustion. It is becoming increasingly harder for us to switch off and be completely present in the moment. Furthermore, the coronavirus pandemic has blurred the lines between work and leisure for many of us leaving us feeling constantly worn out. This ‘always on’ culture is also leading to higher rates of clinical anxiety, stress, insomnia and consequently higher levels of depression.
So, what can we do to help give our brains a break from the constant stress and anxiety of everyday life?
One proven method that has become increasingly popular over the past few years is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a technique that is used to help us in being fully present in the moment and engaged in what is actually going on around us. It involves being aware of our thoughts and feelings without distraction or judgement. It can include breathing exercises, guided imagery activities, muscle relaxation exercises and other practices to relax the body and mind.
Some of the benefits of mindfulness include:
- Reducing stress
- Reducing anxiety
- Reducing the experience of pain
- Alleviating symptoms of depression
- Improved sleep quality
- Improving symptoms of high blood pressure
- Improving attention
- Decreasing job burnout
Mindfulness activities and exercises have become increasingly accessible in recent years, through different apps, YouTube videos and various websites. In order to make things easier for you, I have compiled a list of great mindfulness resources you can try!
Youtube
· Body Scan Exercise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS2yDmWk0vs
In this video you will be asked to bring your awareness to each part of your body, noticing your experience with a sense of curiosity and openness. Body scan exercises are useful in reducing tension in the body and stress and they may allow you to feel more settled and calm.
· Dropping the Anchor (breathing exercise) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqMu6kFfQcE
This short video helps you to connect with your breathing. These sorts of exercises are helpful in steading yourself when you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed or have intrusive thoughts, feelings or sensations.
· Calm Youtube Channel (10-minute meditation playlist)- https://www.youtube.com/user/calmdotcom
The Calm YouTube channel has some great videos and playlists that will help in decreasing anxiety, worry and stress. The 10-minute meditation playlist contains a series of guided mindfulness exercises that will help you in paying attention to your thoughts, emotions and experiences so that you are able to feel more present and live a happier and more peaceful life.
Apps
· Headspace: Meditation & Sleep
This App provides various mindful exercises to help you with everything from managing stress and anxiety to sleep, improving focus and mind-body health.
· Calm
The Calm includes calming exercises and breathing techniques that will help you in reducing stress and anxiety. The app also includes a ‘Sleep Stories’ section that will help you in getting a better night’s sleep.
· MyLife Meditation: Mindfulness
This App will help you to better recognise your emotions, tame your anxiety and stress and improve your sleep quality through guided mindfulness exercises.
*All of these these apps contain both free and paid options.
If you are experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety, feel free to contact us on 8838-8687 or book an appointment online and come in to see one of our friendly Psychologists.