Grounding Yourself Through Mindfulness Techniques
By Senior Marketing Specialist Emma Irish
Join Southcentral Foundation in May to practice 31 mindful moments.
With the arrival of spring, an increase in daylight, and rising temperatures comes a sense of renewal for many people. In preparation for Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Southcentral Foundation invites customer-owners to practice 31 days of mindful moments to reflect and consider adopting into your daily routine.
Mindfulness is the practice of focusing on the present by tapping into our five senses to ground ourselves in the moment. By focusing on what we see, hear, feel, taste, and smell, we find ourselves in the now. In doing so, we can release ourselves from any anxiety of the past and future. One of the most significant benefits of mindfulness is its positive impact on mental health.
Mental health is an important piece of whole-person wellness and affects how we think, feel, act; determining how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. By practicing mindfulness, individuals learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without reacting impulsively. Studies have shown that mindfulness-based interventions, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Mindfulness may also enhance emotional regulation. By fostering a nonjudgmental awareness of emotions, individuals can respond to challenges with greater composure and resilience. Instead of being overwhelmed by negative emotions, mindfulness practitioners learn to acknowledge and accept their feelings. This skill is particularly beneficial in relationships, and promotes empathy and patience. As a result, individuals who practice mindfulness often experience more fulfilling and harmonious relationships with others.
But how do you practice mindfulness? To clear up any misconceptions, you do not need to have a clear, calm, or even organized mind. Mindfulness simply provides the opportunity to practice and train the mind to focus on the present moment.
Focus on one thing at a time, whether it be enjoying a meal, listening to the leaves under your feet as you take a walk, or feeling the sun on your face through the windshield on your drive to work. You can practice mindfulness in traditional activities such as beading, sewing, dancing, and subsistence gathering. Take time to slow down, breathe deep, and honor the moment. Over time and with practice, mindfulness may increase happiness, gratitude, and give you a greater sense of overall fulfillment.
For more information about mindfulness and learning circles, or other available support options, individuals are encouraged to connect with their integrated care team or behavioral health provider. Visit this page to learn more.
