Have you ever found yourself lost in several thoughts all at once, forgetting about the present moment? Mindfulness is a practice in which you focus on being aware of the present moment. Through mindfulness, you can change your perspective and experience the most beautiful thing: each moment as its own.
Practicing mindfulness has many benefits. Let’s explore the power of mindfulness moments together.
Reducing Stress to Increase Mindfulness
According to the American Institute of Stress, “About 33% of people report feeling extreme stress.” Stress often leads to an adrenaline rush which increases heart rate, and respiration, and sometimes it can change the flow of blood. Due to stress, people feel restless and anxious, negatively impacting their mental health.
We cannot completely avoid stress. It is a necessary part of life, designed to keep us safe from threat or harm. However, we can reduce negative stress through the power of mindfulness.
Wondering how this practice can reduce stress? It’s simple. Intentionally focus on the present moment. When you pay attention to your present moment, you can control racing thoughts, those negative repetitive thoughts that lead to toxic stress.
Based on the 2014 review by Sharma concerning the impact of mindfulness on stress reduction, “Of the 17 studies, 16 demonstrated positive changes in psychological or physiological outcomes related to anxiety and stress.” But that’s not the only benefit of mindfulness.
Improves working memory
Are you struggling with poor memory? If yes, then you can incorporate mindfulness into your day-to-day life to improve your working memory as well.
A study found that mindfulness boosts the density of the hippocampus, which is primarily associated with memory. In addition, mindfulness can also improve conditions associated with memory impairments. And that’s still not all!
Less emotional reactivity
Have you ever come across emotionally reactive people?
People with higher emotional reactivity often experience symptoms, like suicidal thoughts and higher levels of depression. Talk about the detrimental impacts of toxic stress!.
With 68 participants, Michigan State University conducted research around this topic. The participants were shown some disturbing pictures and asked to view them naturally or mindfully. It was found that people viewing the images through a focused lens showed less reactivity when compared to others.
Reduce Depression
Depression was already one of the most well-known mental health struggles connected to toxic stress and trauma, but the pandemic intensified this effect. At the height of the pandemic, it was reported that “More than 264 million people suffer from depression worldwide.”
People with depression experience anxiety, hopelessness, loss of interest, mood swings, etc. Research reports that mindfulness helps lessen depression by relieving the symptoms. Starting with simple meditation and yoga can help to reduce depression as mindfulness practices.
Unlock Your Superpower
With the power of mindfulness moments, you can reduce stress and depression through simple practices like meditation, yoga, etc. Not only does it reduce stress and depression, but it also improves focus and memory.
In addition, it can also help make you less emotionally reactive in triggering situations by helping you avoid anxiety, stress, etc. So, practice mindfulness to unlock the superpowers and change your life.
XOXO,