Stress - we all know what it feels like. The signs of stress experienced by each person may vary, but there are many common symptoms. These include physical symptoms such as headache, stomachache and muscle tension. Emotional symptoms may include impatience, anxiety, crying, even depression. Stress is an inevitable part of life, but the way in which we deal with it can make a big difference. There are healthy and unhealthy ways to relieve stress. When we take a mindful approach to dealing with stress, we are more likely to respond in ways that preserve our health and improve our chances of managing the stress.
Many people have heard of mindfulness practice or mindfulness stress reduction. There are many programs and classes now offered that focus on this. But exactly what is mindfulness and how can it help you? One simple definition of mindfulness is "nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment". This sounds relatively easy, but in practice, it can be challenging. Quietly tuning in to what is happening inside you and making no judgment about it can be hard. We are trained to impose an evaluation on just about everything. This is nothing to feel bad about. Making judgments can be very useful, and is critical in many situations. But being aware of our internal states does not require this when we are working on calming the mind and seeing things clearly. Practicing mindfulness is an effort, but well worth it. Like so many things, the more you practice, the more skilled you will become.
There are many ways to practice mindfulness stress reduction and improve your mental health. One of the best ways is through the practice of yoga. There are many types and forms of yoga, but most incorporate some kind of meditation along with physical movements. This gives you the benefit of mental and physical practice all in one. Another benefit of yoga is that anyone can do it. Basic yoga techniques can be tailored for anyone. If you are more interested in the mindfulness and meditation aspects of yoga, there are techniques and classes for that. If you are more interested in the physical practice of yoga (hatha), there are plenty of classes of all different types for that. Yoga is now recognized as a powerful tool in the mental health care toolbox.
What are some ways to put mindfulness, meditation and yoga to use in your everyday life? There is no wrong way to start, and you don't need to spend hours sitting in lotus position. Even two minutes of mindful attention first thing in the morning can help get your day off to a more positive start, while two minutes in the evening can help you relax before sleep. Finding a basic yoga class to try, or even using a simple video, can offer a way to get oriented to yoga a little at a time. The physical aspects of yoga can greatly reduce stress by helping decrease the tension in your nervous system, even if you start slowly with the practice. It is amazing what a few simple postures can do to wake you up or calm you down.
Stress is a fact of life. Reducing and managing stress are critical for all of us. Mindfulness, meditation and yoga will not solve all of life's ills but they do have the potential to improve your responses to stress, increase your peace of mind and help you build a healthier life. It's never too late to start.
Many people have heard of mindfulness practice or mindfulness stress reduction. There are many programs and classes now offered that focus on this. But exactly what is mindfulness and how can it help you? One simple definition of mindfulness is "nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment". This sounds relatively easy, but in practice, it can be challenging. Quietly tuning in to what is happening inside you and making no judgment about it can be hard. We are trained to impose an evaluation on just about everything. This is nothing to feel bad about. Making judgments can be very useful, and is critical in many situations. But being aware of our internal states does not require this when we are working on calming the mind and seeing things clearly. Practicing mindfulness is an effort, but well worth it. Like so many things, the more you practice, the more skilled you will become.
There are many ways to practice mindfulness stress reduction and improve your mental health. One of the best ways is through the practice of yoga. There are many types and forms of yoga, but most incorporate some kind of meditation along with physical movements. This gives you the benefit of mental and physical practice all in one. Another benefit of yoga is that anyone can do it. Basic yoga techniques can be tailored for anyone. If you are more interested in the mindfulness and meditation aspects of yoga, there are techniques and classes for that. If you are more interested in the physical practice of yoga (hatha), there are plenty of classes of all different types for that. Yoga is now recognized as a powerful tool in the mental health care toolbox.
What are some ways to put mindfulness, meditation and yoga to use in your everyday life? There is no wrong way to start, and you don't need to spend hours sitting in lotus position. Even two minutes of mindful attention first thing in the morning can help get your day off to a more positive start, while two minutes in the evening can help you relax before sleep. Finding a basic yoga class to try, or even using a simple video, can offer a way to get oriented to yoga a little at a time. The physical aspects of yoga can greatly reduce stress by helping decrease the tension in your nervous system, even if you start slowly with the practice. It is amazing what a few simple postures can do to wake you up or calm you down.
Stress is a fact of life. Reducing and managing stress are critical for all of us. Mindfulness, meditation and yoga will not solve all of life's ills but they do have the potential to improve your responses to stress, increase your peace of mind and help you build a healthier life. It's never too late to start.
About the Author:
Yoga is a union between physical health and mental health. Mindfulness, meditation, and yoga are all key tools in your mental health toolbox.
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