Practicing mindfulness can have many positive impacts not just on our mental health, but our overall health! Did you know that mindfulness can be practiced in many ways? You can even practice mindfulness right now, try out a few of these different mindfulness practices now, and then save this post to come back to later!
10 Mindfulness Practices
Focus on Your Breath
Take a few moments to focus solely on your breath. Notice the sensation of the air entering and leaving your nostrils. Notice the rise and fall of your chest and abdomen. Start to see if you can deepen your breath. Notice how your breath moves your body.
Body Scan
Close your eyes and slowly scan through your body from head to toe, noticing any areas of tension or discomfort. Pausing and taking a moment on those areas to consciously relax those areas.
Engage Your Senses
Take a moment to engage each of your senses. Notice five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
Mindful Eating
If you're eating or drinking something, take your time to fully experience the flavors, textures, and sensations. Pay attention to each bite or sip without rushing. Spend a few minutes naming the different experiences that you are having.
Grounding Movement
Start to shake your hands, then your arms, then your head, and eventually your entire body. You can even jump up and down a few times. Consciously being aware of the micro-movements your body is engaging in.
Observe Your Thoughts
Take a few moments to observe your thoughts without judgment. Notice what thoughts come into your mind, acknowledge them, and then let them pass without giving them an opinion or judgement to them.
Mindful Walking
Take a short walk, paying close attention to each step you take. Notice the sensation of your feet touching the ground and the movement of your body with each step.
Gratitude Practice
Take a moment to reflect on three things you're grateful for right now and write them down. Come back to this list again and again, continuing to add things you are thankful for over time.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Starting from your toes, tense each muscle group in your body for a few seconds, then release and relax. Move slowly up through your body, tensing and relaxing each muscle group.
Mindful Listening
Take a moment to really listen to the sounds around you. Instead of labeling them or getting lost in thought, simply observe each sound as it arises and passes away.
Lastly,
Choose one or a few of these practices to integrate into your day whenever you need a moment of mindfulness and presence!
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