We All have Time for a Little “Mindfulness”

Many of us feel like our lives are busy and each day filled with a list of responsibilities and tasks. While this may be true, experts stress the importance of taking a few minutes out of our day to practice mindfulness. They say the point is to make time to be in the present each day in order to reconnect with ourselves and feel a sense of calmness. In other words, notice the brightness of the flowers, the songs of the birds, the clouds in the sky, etc., and who among us doesn’t need that?

Science is now exploring mindfulness and how it can affect our overall state of happiness and reduce stress, anxiety, and negative behaviors. Research suggests the practice can also improve physical health by lowering blood pressure, treating heart disease and improving sleep as well as reducing chronic pain. Moreover along with a relaxed state of mind, studies show the practice of mindfulness can improve a person’s concentration and memory skills.

Kabat-Zinn, founder and former director of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, was one of the first to bring the practice of mindfulness meditation into mainstream medicine. His research demonstrated how the practice of mindfulness “can bring improvements in both physical and psychological symptoms as well as positive changes in health, attitudes, and behaviors.”

To practice mindfulness, which is a form of mediation, there are several methods you can use to get started but experts say the most important thing is to keep trying. Suggestions include joining a group, listening to calming music or finding a quiet spot to sit. However, whatever your method, the goal is to find a sense of focused relaxation, concentrating on the present, and reflecting on emotions and thoughts without judgement.

With the opening of the MorningStar at River Oaks community, senior living in Houston just got a whole lot better. Our beautiful, warm and welcoming senior living community offers residents all the services they need to live life to the fullest. In addition to assisted living, our community offers individualized memory care, respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (from a week to a full month) to see if we are a good fit.

Source: health.harvard.edu/blog/evoking-calm-practicing-mindfulness-in-daily-life-helps-202110142617

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