How to nurture yourself back to mental relaxation
When it comes to mental relaxation, the Buddhists know a thing or two. Mindfulness, a form or meditation, helps you to mentally recharge by paying close attention to what you are feeing and sensing at every moment without putting judgement on it.
Spending too much time planning, problem-solving or thinking negative or random thoughts can be draining. It can also make you more likely to experience stress and anxiety.
Practising mindfulness exercises can help you direct your attention away from this kind of thinking and engage with the world around you. It can have many possible benefits, including reduced stress, anxiety and depression; less negative thinking and distraction; and improved mood.
There are several ways to practise mindfulness:
Pay attention – The next time you meet someone, listen closely to his or her words. Think about their meaning and uniqueness. Aim to develop a habit of understanding others and delaying your own judgments and criticisms.
Make the familiar new again – Find a few small, familiar objects – such as a toothbrush, apple or cellphone – in your home or office. Look at the objects with fresh eyes. Identify one new detail about each object that you didn’t see before.
Focus on your breathing – Sit in a quiet place with your back straight but relaxed. Feel your breath move in and out of your body. Let your awareness of everything else fall away. When your mind wanders, gently redirect your attention to your breath. You’re simply becoming aware of what’s happening around you, breath by breath.
Awaken your senses – Get a raisin. Sit in a quiet place. Look at the raisin. Smell it, feel it and anticipate eating it.
Taste the raisin, and slowly and deliberately chew it. Paying close attention to your senses might reveal insight into your relationship with eating and food.
Aim to practise mindfulness every day for about six months. Over time, you might find that mindfulness becomes effortless. Think of it as a commitment to reconnecting with and nurturing yourself.
Category: Features, Wellness and Complementary Therapies
