Mindfulness is the practice of paying full attention to the present moment—deliberately and without judgment. It involves being aware of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surroundings as they are, rather than how you wish they were. Practicing mindfulness can have a wide range of benefits for your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.
Key Aspects of Mindfulness:
- Present-moment awareness: Focusing on what is happening right now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
- Non-judgmental attitude: Observing your experience without labeling it as good or bad, right or wrong.
- Intentional attention: Choosing to direct your focus, often through practices like mindful breathing, walking, or eating.
Benefits of Mindfulness:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves focus and concentration
- Enhances emotional regulation
- Supports mental and physical well-being
Common Mindfulness Practices:
- Meditation (e.g., focusing on the breath)
- Body scan (noticing sensations throughout the body)
- Mindful walking or eating
- Awareness in daily activities (e.g., brushing teeth or washing dishes mindfully)
Where can I learn Mindfulness?
You can learn mindfulness at home but sometimes talking to someone to get the best outcome for you is a good starting point. I am happy to support anyone who wants to incorporate mindfulness into their self-care routine.
I use mindfulness to help people to calm themselves if they are over stimulated either by stress or anxiety among other issues like work or family problems. One of the best ways to start is by going for a walk and looking up. Look at what is around you, what have you not noticed before? How do you feel? Breathe in fresh air, the smells around you and feel yourself start to relax almost instantly.
Victoria Warwick-Jones Counselling 