For most of us, taking care of our mental health is not top of mind. Our busy schedules and the constant stresses of work, relationships, and family life make it hard to set aside time for ourselves. But, caring for your mental health doesn’t need to be a Herculean task. With some quick mindfulness exercises, you can start to bring balance back to your day.
Making mental health a priority can help in many areas of your life. You can be more productive, cultivate better relationships, and boost your confidence.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware of the present moment. It allows us not to get overwhelmed or react too quickly.
This type of deep awareness can be hard to achieve, especially in a world full of distractions on and offline. This is why many people cultivate intentional practices of mindfulness.
Enhancing Your Personal and Spiritual Growth
Mindfulness exercises teach us to focus more deeply than we usually do. This allows us to understand our own thoughts and actions and gain greater self-awareness.
Mindfulness is a part of many spiritual practices. It can help you look beyond your physical experience. It may even allow you to get in touch with yourself, the universe, or a higher power.
Mindfulness and Mental Health
Mental health is the state of your emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing. Mindfulness helps you become more in tune with your mental state and take charge of your mental health.
Studies have shown that meditation creates physical changes in the brain. It can help improve self-awareness, body awareness, memory, and emotional regulation.
Simple Mindfulness Exercises For Your Mental Health
Mindful Moments
Start with mindful activities that take just a few minutes. This could be a few minutes of doing a breathing exercise, listening to music, or allowing yourself a moment of quiet.
These small moments of mindfulness can help to reduce your stress. They will also allow you to take stock of your mental state: are you stressed, or feeling discouraged?
Get in Touch With Your Body
Although we often forget it, the mind and body are closely connected. Your physical health can have major impacts on your mental health and vice versa.
Try incorporating exercise into your day to release energy and get in touch with your body. Pay attention to how your body feels and which types of movement make you feel best in the long run.
Connecting with your body can help you to notice your physical responses to emotions. Do your shoulders feel tight when you’re stressed? Does your chest tighten when you’re feeling upset?
Appreciate Simple Pleasures
Make a habit of paying attention to the hidden joys of everyday life. Can you find beauty in the clouds outside your window or the warmth you feel as you sip your morning coffee?
Noticing simple pleasures allows you to be more positive and present in your life.
Mindful Journaling
Journaling is a great way to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions. It can also create a safe and private space where you can work through difficult issues and feelings.
If you’re new to journaling, try starting with a gratitude journal or specific prompts.
Use the “STOP” Technique to Prevent Negative Spirals
It’s important to notice spirals of anxiety, depression, or other harmful thoughts. When you feel those thoughts starting to come up, try the STOP technique to turn your thoughts around.
- Slow down
- Take a breath
- Observe your body, thoughts, and feelings
- Process your possible responses, and then move forward calmly
Try out different mindfulness exercises to see what works for you. Once you find your favorites, make sure to practice them consistently. As you build your mindfulness practice, you’ll notice improvements in your ability to process your thoughts and emotions.