Meditation, conscious breathing, relaxation and guided imagery are great tools for developing mindful practice. As you develop mindful practice, you are literally building new neuronal pathways in your brain ~ pathways that can encourage peace, calm and presence. As you develop new neuronal pathways, over time you will develop an entirely new way of being in your life. New ways of responding to your environment. When you’re completely focused on the present moment, it is literally impossible to think about the future or the past.
And, constantly focusing on your past or your future is highly correlated
with syptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
AND you are missing the present – which is truly the only moment we really have.
Of course, there are times when the present moment simply isn’t ideal. The good news is mindfulness helps even during difficult moments. Research shows that as we
practice meditation and mindfulness, our brains are literally rewired and
we can become better equipped to manage any given moment.
Studies find the benefits of mindful practice include:
- Reducing your level of stress and anxiety
- Reducing worry
- Increasing a sense of joy
- Changing behaviors including behaviors associated with eating and weight loss
- Alleviating chronic medical condition/pain symptoms
- Lessening depression
- Possibly slowing or decreasing cognitive decline in dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Reducing feelings of loneliness
- Improving sleep
- Boosting resilience
- Helping with emotion regulation
- Improve attention span
- Improve your ability to remain positive
- Develop an overall sense of peace and calm
Mindful practice can also benefit your brain! Neuroplasticity is the ability of your brain to change over time. Positivepsychology.com states: “When we practice mindfulness, we send the message to our brain that we are more effective at dealing with everyday tasks when we are aware, observant, nonreactive, and nonjudgmental. This causes our brain to make the changes that will improve our ability to function mindfully”. For a detailed explanation of the benefits of neuroplasticity and mindfulness, check out the article “23 Amazing Health Benefits of Mindfulness for Body and Brain” at https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-mindfulness/
Mindful practice can also benefit your brain! Neuroplasticity is basically the ability of your brain to change over time. Positivepsychology.com states: “When we practice mindfulness, we send the message to our brain that we are more effective at dealing with everyday tasks when we are aware, observant, nonreactive, and nonjudgmental. This causes our brain to make the changes that will improve our ability to function mindfully”. For a detailed explanation of the benefits of neuroplasticity and mindfulness, check out the article “23 Amazing Health Benefits of Mindfulness for Body and Brain” at https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-mindfulness/
Debra LeGere, LCSW, CCH 