Mindfulness is a way of living with greater attention and intention and less reactivity and judgement.

Many of us are on 'automatic pilot' — our bodies operate in a routine pattern while our minds are somewhere else, anticipating future events or ruminating over something that has happened. This 'mindless' way of living can limit how we experience life, the choices we make, the quality of our relationships and can exacerbate feelings of stress. 

Practising mindfulness can help you to bring awareness to the present with an attitude of openness and curiosity. It is being awake to the fullness of your life right now by engaging the 5 senses and noticing your thoughts without holding on to, or pushing away, what you are experiencing.

Mindfulness can help you to recognise mental habits that limit your understanding of something, or restrict your options for action.

For example, participating in negative self-talk may occupy your full attention by replaying constantly in your thoughts. By being able to notice when your mind is engaged in these unhelpful thinking patterns, you can shift your mind back to the present, interrupt negative thoughts and enhance your sense of calm and centredness.

Being mindful does not mean stopping your mind from thinking or forcing yourself to be relaxed and peaceful. Many people who practise mindfulness, report that they feel more calm and clear-headed.

Mindfulness helps you focus on the present moment, which can assist you to cope more effectively with stress and reduce the risk of professional burnout.

Mindfulness can enhance communication with others by bringing a greater awareness to how and what others are communicating. Listening and speaking with greater attention can lead to more effective communication, particularly in crisis situations.

Being more mindful and bringing receptivity to whatever is happening can deepen your understanding of your relationships with your friends, family, colleagues, and ultimately yourself.

The physical benefits of practising mindfulness include:

• lowering high blood pressure by reducing cortisol secretions when stressed — fight or flight stress response
• reducing physical health symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, muscle and joint problems
• improving the immune system, and
• increasing energy levels.

Mental benefits of practising mindfulness have been reported to include:

• increased serotonin production that improves mood and behaviour
• reduced anxiety
• improved emotional stability
• increased creativity
• greater happiness
• strengthened intuitive thinking, and
• improved clarity of thought.

Some people worry that mindfulness practice will be time consuming, when they are already under pressure. Others may worry that they will not have the ability or the skills to learn mindfulness meditation practices.

Mindfulness meditation can be done in any location and at any time of the day. It is not necessary to practise for long periods — it can be as little as one minute of your time. Enhancing your mindfulness is a lifelong process that you can begin to explore now with a simple practice.

You can try any of the following to get started:

Why not read some of our other articles on staying healthy:

• Sleep
• Exercise.

Our service provides free and confidential support 24/7, to nurses, midwives and students Australia wide. If you would like to speak to someone call 1800 667 877, or you can request support via email.

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