You’ve probably heard a lot of talk about the benefits of a little thing called ‘mindfulness’ over the last few years. It’s all about being present in the moment, without judgement. Yes, it’s a type of meditation but no it doesn’t mean spending your savings on a retreat with a guru somewhere on a mountaintop! You can even do it on your lunch break if you find a spare five minutes… and practicing a little mindfulness now and then is fantastic for bringing balance into your life.
Mindfulness tips
Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed, close your eyes and just see what sensations come to mind. Focus on your breathing, any physical sensations you might feel (even just the feeling of your feet on the floor) or any smells you might notice. It might feel odd, and deceptively simple at first, but it’s all about taking a minute to stop thinking about that annoying email you got this morning, or the big meeting you’re a bit nervous about tomorrow. It’s a way of reconnecting with the world by observing what’s going on in the present moment and understanding ourselves better. Often people who practice mindfulness find any stress and anxiety they might have is greatly reduced. It often helps them gain perspective on certain matters too. Some quick ways to practice mindfulness are to:
- Pay more attention to your surroundings. Look up from that workstation once in a while, take in the sights/sounds/sensations – stop to smell the roses basically!
- Try something new that gives you a different perspective. Like a new route to work, or a new seat from your usual in the coffee shop for instance.
- Name thoughts and feelings. If you’re feeling worried, making yourself aware of that sensation by naming it (‘Ah, there’s anger again’) can help you rationalise it.
The mind and your diet
That old saying of ‘you are what you eat’ is very much applicable when it comes to the mind. Good gut health is thought to play a big part in our mood, so much so that our gut is sometimes referred to as our ‘second brain’. Our Goodness Kefir and Goodness Cottage Cheese is sure to put you in a good mood. Not only because it tastes great, but it’s full of protein (that’ll help keep you feeling fuller for longer) and good ‘gut bacteria’ which aides digestion and helps you better process nutrients
