De-Stress For Success: How Mindfulness & Meditation Can Boost Your Well-Being

Learning The Meaning Of Mindfulness

M indfulness is truly a state of being. This practice is about living in the present moment and not letting stress or anxiety take over the thoughts. Meditation, yoga, breathwork, and reciting mantras are all forms of mindfulness. These practices teach people to focus on one thing at a time to improve concentration and mental clarity. Research has shown a connection between mindfulness and lower blood pressure, better sleep patterns, and better diet practices.

Can you combine mindfulness with meditation?

Meditation has been around for centuries, and this practice helps people to quiet the mind and focus on breathwork. There are many different types of meditation, including visual, body-centered, emotion-based, and mantra. Mindful meditation combines the attributes of mindfulness and meditation. This method encourages practitioners to focus on the present moment and the sensations moving through the body.

Boosting your well-being with meditation

Meditation can help people manage mood disorders like depression and other conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. Meditation has also been proven to boost the immune system, improve cognitive function, ease menopause symptoms, and help with inflammation. Meditation’s powerful effects on the body make this practice beneficial for everyone.

The effect of meditation on the brain

Scientists have discovered that, over time, meditation changes someone’s brain chemistry. Meditation slows down brain waves to help people maintain a calmer and more peaceful existence. The practice boosts levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are known as the brain’s feel-good chemicals. Meditation impacts the brain’s default mode network by calming the area and managing anxious thoughts. The insula part of the brain that controls sensation and emotional awareness is strengthened.

The overall benefits of mindfulness

One of the key traits of mindfulness is to be aware of sensations and emotions without judgment. Mindfulness is also a central component in the yoga and tai chi disciplines. Mindfulness allows people to regulate emotions by enhancing the person’s cognitive abilities. Similar to meditation, mindfulness limits rumination, which is an intense focus on negative thoughts and feelings. Rumination can lead to anxiety and depression, so limiting this thought process will improve a person’s mental well-being.

Practicing mindfulness and meditation

Incorporating mindfulness and meditation practices into a daily regimen is fairly easy for people to do. People can set aside a few minutes each day to do some mindfulness introspection and meditation work. People can learn different mindfulness and meditation practices through researching books about the practice. People can also attend in-person classes and download apps or online classes to learn more about these practices.

Speak to a professional

For patients that have questions about mindfulness and meditation techniques, speak to a healthcare professional. A medical provider will educate patients on the importance of prioritizing mental health and help patients find the right resources.