How Mindfulness Can Change Your Life
Mindfulness has been a bit of a buzz-word in the last few years, but what is it exactly and what can it do for your health and well-being? Well, I’ll tell you what learning and practicing it did for me, and how mindfulness can change your life.
What is mindfulness?
Basically, mindfulness is living in the present, the here and now – and not worrying about the future or past. It is being aware of our thoughts, feelings and surroundings, while being “in the moment”. Being mindful allows us to be fully aware of our senses during the moment, an connects us fully to the people we are with and the places that we are at. There is a lot of research that has been done proving the rewards of including mindfulness in people’s lives. A quick search on Google Scholar shows many publications and articles highlighting the benefits of mindfulness.
How did mindfulness change my life?
A few years ago I experienced what some would call “burn out”. Life was so stupid busy and being the over-achiever perfectionist that I am, I kept trying to do it all- and do it all perfectly. I always felt busy, like there was never enough time in the day. And when I did try and relax, I wasn’t able to. I would have thousands of thoughts racing through my mind about what I didn’t do, what I had to do, etc. I remember visiting with friends and feeling like I wasn’t even with them, just being spaced out and preoccupied with everything in my head that was swirling around. There were many times I had no energy to do things with my family because I was overwhelmed with everything going on.
I kept thinking that I had to slow life down somehow, but I had no idea how to do that. And then my physical and mental health started to decline. I started experiencing anxiety, brain fog, and insomnia. I gained 25+ lbs. Instead of being my normal happy and optimistic self, I was negative, moody, and withdrawn. But I just attributed it to work stress, instead of looking at the whole picture.
Then came chest tightness, extreme fatigue, and everything ached in my body. My chest was so tight that I felt short of breath and it felt like someone was actually sitting on my chest. I saw my doctor and he sent me for a bunch of different tests – and everything came back normal. And I remember being angry with him when he asked me if this could be “in my head”. I wasn’t making this up, I thought!! And I wasn’t- I had definite physical symptoms. But I didn’t understand what he was asking me because I wasn’t tying everything together. I had physical symptoms that were because of what was going on in my head.
But when you’re feeling completely overwhelmed with the symptoms of anxiety and stress, and all of the physical symptoms that accompany that, you really aren’t thinking clearly. Being a nurse, I should have recognized the situation. I would have if it was a friend or a patient going through it, but I was clueless when it came to insight into my own well-being.
The beginning of my mindfulness journey
So, I started looking at alternative therapies, since modern medicine had not helped me- I thought. I saw a wonderful chiropractor (Dr. Lindsey Crook at Foundation Chiropractic) who was able to help me somewhat. What she also did though was recognize my issues and referred me to a Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST) Massage Therapist for help. Along with the CST (which I’ll talk about in an upcoming post), I began to learn mindfulness at the same time. I slowly came out of the chaos that had consumed my body and mind. It didn’t happen overnight- it took many months before I started feeling better, and I would say over a year to get back to ME.
Practicing mindfulness took a lot of work to where I am now, and I continue to work on this every day. I was used to going and going and anticipating what was next- never fully enjoying the here and now. It was a struggle sometimes not to fall back into the crazy busy mentality, but I persisted! I still find myself doing this at times, and when I do, I don’t get upset with myself- I just recognize it, accept it, refocus and move on.
Mindfulness has had a profound effect on my anxiety. It helps me bring myself back to the present and out of the “what ifs” and worries of what the future may hold. It has helped to almost eliminate my symptoms, both physical and mental. I no longer have the brain fog, mood issues, chest tightness, fatigue, and body aches. The weight I gained; I was able to lose again. And although I still have occasional insomnia, I am much more rested. It changed me for the better, and mindfulness can change your life too.
How to practice mindfulness?
There are many ways to practice mindfulness. The key to this is “practice”. It is not something that you master right away- if ever. Mindfulness is a practice that is ongoing, and does become easier as you continue to do it. It is something that you can set aside periods of time for, and it’s also something that you can do intermittently throughout the day. Here are some ways that I have tried to practice mindfulness, and some that I continue to use to this day. Only you will know what works and is best for you.
Meditation:
Well, initially I thought that meditation was a little “out there” and I didn’t think I was the type to be able to get into it. I had visions of needing to have a little Buddha statue, candles, incense, pillows on the floor and chanting and all that. But, I realized that I don’t need all that at all while in Savasana at Yoga class one evening (which is something I never thought I would like either). All I needed was some time to focus and breathe, and be aware of my body, how it feels, and to be in the moment- leaving everything else aside. I can practice this throughout my day now without needing a specific place set aside for it. And I don’t have to have a yoga mat and lie on the floor for it either 😉
Yoga:
Yoga is a huge reason I began to study mindfulness. I love Yoga- it helps me to focus on my breathing, my body and how it’s feeling, my muscles and increasing their strength and flexibility. It’s so beneficial for the body and the mind.
Baths:
Oh how I love my baths. The warmth, the scent of the bath salts or the bubbles, and how I can feel my muscles relaxing. It’s the perfect place for me to practice mindfulness.
Eating and Cooking:
I practice mindfulness with this often. I enjoy cooking and eating good food by really being present in the process. Great food is one of my life’s greatest treats- especially when shared with good friends and in great places! Being mindful of the senses you experience while cooking and eating really does increase your enjoyment of the experience.
Being with Others:
There have been many times in my past where I haven’t been present in the moment. I’ve learned to shut out all of the worries or preconceived ideas about things and learned to focus on the present thoughts, senses, feelings and enjoy each moment I am in.
Being in Nature:
This really helps me to get out of my head. Focusing on the surroundings, especially being in nature and all of its beauty helps me to be mindful.
Acceptance and Patience:
This is a huge hurdle I have had to work on. Things not going the way I’ve planned has been an issue in the past and has derailed my plans at times. Rather than getting upset and becoming stressed, I’ve learned to accept these little “speed bumps” as I call them. I’ve learned to slow things down and accept the present state. Patience and acceptance helps with this and it brings me back to the moment, allows me to regroup and refocus.
Lastly…
Mindfulness can help us to enjoy our lives more by bringing us out of our heads and back to the present moment. It helps us to really understand ourselves more as well as having less judgement of others and situations. Mindfulness can increase patience for others and ourselves. We can definitely bring peace and balance into our lives by incorporating mindfulness. Yes, mindfulness can change your life!
Do you practice mindfulness? If so, how do you practice it and how has mindfulness changed your life? Please leave me a comment!
Take care,
Please note that while I am a Registered Nurse, I am not your nurse and my opinions above do not constitute or replace medical advice. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your physician or healthcare provider. Also, see my disclaimer here for more information.
Image #1 by: Bhikku Amitha on Pixabay