Mindfulness, a word we hear more and more. Maybe you’ve heard it at work, in your circle of friends or at the sports club. But what is that so-called ‘mindfulness’ actually, and more importantly: how can it help you in, for example, parenting and in the field of work? Read all about mindfulness and how you can learn this superpower in our blog.
For starters: the definition of mindfulness
Being Aware and Becoming Aware: “Mindfulness is the practice of deliberately focusing your attention on the present moment – and accepting it without judgment. Mindfulness is under constant scientific scrutiny and has proven to be an important element in reducing stress and promoting overall happiness.”
The Origin of Mindfulness
The term mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism. But not only Buddhism knows mindfulness, most religions have some kind of prayer or meditation technique that helps you shift your mind from your usual actions to the action of the moment and see it from a larger perspective on life.
The benefits of mindfulness
‘Mindfulness improves well-being’
Being mindful makes it easier to enjoy the beautiful things in life as they happen, it also helps you become fully involved in activities and creates a greater ability to deal with negative events.
By focusing on the here and now, many people feel less limited by worries about the future or regrets about the past. Mindfulness results in being less preoccupied with concerns about success and self-worth, and being more able to form deep bonds with others.
“Mindfulness improves physical health.”
In addition to improving well-being, mindfulness can also help relieve stress, treat heart disease, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, and improve sleep.
It is no coincidence that mindfulness improves physical health. For example, Liverpool John Moores University conducted research into the correlation between mindfulness and physical health.
“Mindfulness improves mental health.”
In recent years, several therapists have delved into the role of mindfulness in improving mental health.
Research indicates that mindfulness is an important element in the treatment of a number of problems, including: depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders.
How you can learn this ‘superpower’
Mindfulness is a skill that you can teach yourself by following a number of steps and by adhering to the following principles:
- Concentrate on the now
- Meditate regularly
- Become aware of your thoughts
- Let go of the why question
- Practice mindfulness, even when you’re away from it all
- Reflect and experience results
We can well imagine that self-learning is not easy for everyone. For those, there are also mindfulness training and coaching programs. There are even mindfulness trainings for parents, the so-called ‘mindful parenting’.
When finding the right mindfulness trainer, it is important to look at the click. After all, you should feel completely comfortable with the person who is going to help you become aware of the moment.
