Why Mindfulness Matters
May is Mental Health Awareness month and I want to keep sharing resources with you that can help in your mental and emotional health journey.
Last week, I shared a list of tools that I have found helpful in my life, and today I want to share another one: Mindfulness.
It feels like people are more consumed than ever by everyone else’s lives. Who’s doing what. Who’s not doing what. Who said what to whom. Who’s going where. The list is forever long.
With being shut away so much of last year, it’s understandable that we might be pulled into the comparison trap—evaluating our lives by what everyone else is doing.
But it doesn’t serve us.
The world feels crazy right now, but you don’t have to feel crazy. You still have control over your thoughts and behaviors. You’re probably asking, “How do I do that?”
Have you heard of the term "mindfulness?" Mindfulness is a powerful way to reduce stress and anxiety simply by paying attention to the here and now. Mindfulness is choosing not to focus on the lives of others or even all of those horrible things that might happen to us or our loved ones. It’s not allowing our inner critic to take over.
But here’s the good news: When we choose to practice mindfulness, we can all feel calmer and grounded by following three steps:
1. Give Yourself Space.
With all the noise in the world, it’s difficult to notice what’s actually yours to manage. Devote a set time each day to shut off the noise (TV, phone, laptop, etc.), close your eyes, and be still. Practice deep breathing (inhale for four seconds, hold it for four seconds, and exhale for eight seconds). This breathing exercise relaxes your nervous system while helping you focus on the present.
2. Name Your Feelings.
We have feelings for a reason. They are guideposts that help us figure out what we need. It’s important that we accept them as they are, and just be with them as we notice our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. Make sure that you’re talking to yourself like you would talk to a good friend. Agree that you won't allow negative thoughts to permeate your mindset.
3. Notice What You Want
Pay attention to areas in your life that you want to change. Notice areas in your life that you have control of, as well as those that you don’t. Invest energy into the areas that you do have control, instead of expending energy and frustration on those you don’t.
There are lots of great resources for practicing mindfulness, including apps, books, and podcasts. The most important step is deciding that you want things to be different—the rest is easy!
Now tell me, what was your biggest insight?
Let me know in the comments below!
You are amazing! Start living like it!
Kim Anderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) and a Certified Life Professional Coach (CPLC) who loves helping others live their lives with passion and purpose. She lives with her husband and two teenagers outside of Nashville, in Franklin, Tennessee, where she loves seasons, rolling hills, and the warmth of the South. Follow Kim at www.kimanderson.life, on Instagram @kim_anderson_life, and on Facebook@ KimAndersonLifeCoachingto learn more about what she offers.
