Stress is something we all experience at different times. Some signs and symptoms of stress include headache, a feeling of tightness in the chest, abdomen, head or other parts of the body, increased blood pressure, stomachache, feelings of anxiety, impatience, crying, even depression. The signs of stress can be varied and are quite individualized. While stress is unpleasant, it is important to remember that the signs of stress are useful; they act as a signal to us that the stress in our lives is significant and needs to be addressed. But how do you do that?
Many people have heard of mindfulness practice or mindfulness stress reduction. There are many programs and classes now offered that focus on this. But exactly what is mindfulness and how can it help you? One simple definition of mindfulness is "nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment". This sounds relatively easy, but in practice, it can be challenging. Quietly tuning in to what is happening inside you and making no judgment about it can be hard. We are trained to impose an evaluation on just about everything. This is nothing to feel bad about. Making judgments can be very useful, and is critical in many situations. But being aware of our internal states does not require this when we are working on calming the mind and seeing things clearly. Practicing mindfulness is an effort, but well worth it. Like so many things, the more you practice, the more skilled you will become.
It's common to hear the words mindfulness, meditation and yoga together. That is no accident. Yoga (literally "union of mind and body") is an ancient practice that incorporates many aspects of mindfulness, meditation and physical movement ("asana"). The benefits of mindfulness and meditation are also benefits of yoga: Greater focus, a calmer mind, attention to the present moment's experience. Yoga is now recognized as one of the best ways to improve mental health, reduce stress and - if you practice the physical aspects of yoga - to become healthier physically. Yoga comes in many forms and can be tailored for anyone. Looking for a class or teacher with whom you feel comfortable is a great place to start.
Meditation, mindfulness and yoga reduce stress by first making us aware of it in a new way. Tuning in to how you feel and not making judgments is not an end point, but a place to start. What you learn about yourself from meditation will help you see more clearly where the stressors are in your life and focus your mind on a healthy response to these stressors. You might try a short meditation in the early morning when you wake up, and a short meditation before you go to bed in the evening. Even just two minutes of sitting silently and quietly tuning in to how you feel can offer unexpected benefits. Physical practices such as yoga or Pilates can help us discharge pent up tension in our nervous systems, which in terms calms the mind. The focus on breathing and self-care (such as sleeping and eating well) reinforce the path to a healthier lifestyle while helping us feel better in the moment.
We all have stress in our lives. Stress reduction and stress management are hot topics everywhere. Mindfulness, meditation and yoga do not offer a silver bullet for all the challenges of life, but they do offer powerful ways to manage those challenges in ways that are health-promoting. It's never too late to learn more, experiment and try. You have only peace of mind to gain.
Many people have heard of mindfulness practice or mindfulness stress reduction. There are many programs and classes now offered that focus on this. But exactly what is mindfulness and how can it help you? One simple definition of mindfulness is "nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment". This sounds relatively easy, but in practice, it can be challenging. Quietly tuning in to what is happening inside you and making no judgment about it can be hard. We are trained to impose an evaluation on just about everything. This is nothing to feel bad about. Making judgments can be very useful, and is critical in many situations. But being aware of our internal states does not require this when we are working on calming the mind and seeing things clearly. Practicing mindfulness is an effort, but well worth it. Like so many things, the more you practice, the more skilled you will become.
It's common to hear the words mindfulness, meditation and yoga together. That is no accident. Yoga (literally "union of mind and body") is an ancient practice that incorporates many aspects of mindfulness, meditation and physical movement ("asana"). The benefits of mindfulness and meditation are also benefits of yoga: Greater focus, a calmer mind, attention to the present moment's experience. Yoga is now recognized as one of the best ways to improve mental health, reduce stress and - if you practice the physical aspects of yoga - to become healthier physically. Yoga comes in many forms and can be tailored for anyone. Looking for a class or teacher with whom you feel comfortable is a great place to start.
Meditation, mindfulness and yoga reduce stress by first making us aware of it in a new way. Tuning in to how you feel and not making judgments is not an end point, but a place to start. What you learn about yourself from meditation will help you see more clearly where the stressors are in your life and focus your mind on a healthy response to these stressors. You might try a short meditation in the early morning when you wake up, and a short meditation before you go to bed in the evening. Even just two minutes of sitting silently and quietly tuning in to how you feel can offer unexpected benefits. Physical practices such as yoga or Pilates can help us discharge pent up tension in our nervous systems, which in terms calms the mind. The focus on breathing and self-care (such as sleeping and eating well) reinforce the path to a healthier lifestyle while helping us feel better in the moment.
We all have stress in our lives. Stress reduction and stress management are hot topics everywhere. Mindfulness, meditation and yoga do not offer a silver bullet for all the challenges of life, but they do offer powerful ways to manage those challenges in ways that are health-promoting. It's never too late to learn more, experiment and try. You have only peace of mind to gain.
About the Author:
Yoga is a union between physical health and mental health. Mindfulness, meditation, and yoga are all key tools in your mental health toolbox.
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