Have you heard of mindfulness and why it’s good for you?

Our lives are built around routines, such as going to work or school, making dinner or watching TV. When we do this day after day, it’s easy to stop noticing what’s around us and what we’re doing.

For example, you might eat a whole bar of chocolate while watching TV, or read a few pages of a book and then realise you didn’t take any of it in. Mindfulness means slowing down and paying full attention to something. It’s the opposite of rushing or multitasking.  

Easy ways to practise mindfulness

• Listen to your breathing for a few minutes.  
• Go for a walk and pay attention to your body as you walk such as the movement in your legs. If you find your thoughts wandering, bring them back to the sensation of your movement.
• Limit yourself to one task at a time and focus completely on what you’re doing.
• Keeping a journal can be a great way to reflect on your thoughts and feelings.
• Use a mindfulness app on your phone.  
• When you’re having a meal, focus on your eating. Don’t read or watch TV at the same time. Pay attention to how the food looks, smells, and tastes. You may find you enjoy your food more and stop eating when you’re full instead of automatically finishing what’s on your plate.

Mindfulness may help you to:

• Pay attention
• Stay calm
• Slow down instead of rushing
• Listen more carefully to others
• Be more patient
• Enjoy activities more
• Feel happier
• Get a better night’s sleep

Sources:

www.healthdirect.gov.au

www.headspace.org.au

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