Cultivating mindfulness in your everyday life can keep you calm and centered. Simple practices like meditation and self-awareness make otherwise frantic moments more manageable. However, getting started with mindfulness can be intimidating. Here are some tips to take the first steps into mindfulness and improve your mental and behavioral health.
How to Use Mindfulness to Be More Calm and Focused
Some people associate mindfulness with sitting in silence for hours. But that’s not the case at all. Closing your eyes and noticing your breath for just one minute is a manageable way to introduce mindfulness into your life. Activities like walking in the woods without distractions, painting to your favorite music, or cooking your favorite meal can be mindfulness activities as well. Starting small can make mindfulness more accessible.
Mindfulness meditation resets the body and mind. To get started with meditation, sit with your eyes closed and notice your breathing. Gently draw your attention back to the breath whenever your mind starts to wander. Even just a few minutes of this exercise per day can help you feel more centered and whole. As an alternative to meditating on your own, consider downloading an app for guided meditation.
Your holistic care is all about building healthy routines. Introducing mindfulness into these routines is a great way to stick with your practices. You might sit silently with your coffee each morning, end your day with a walk, or take meditation breaks at lunch. Build these moments of mindfulness into your schedule, and they will eventually become second nature.
Everyone needs guidance from time to time, and a health and wellness coach can guide you through your mindfulness journey. Your coach can offer practical tips for building mindfulness into your lifestyle and work with you to set goals. This coach can also be a source of support through any challenges, recommending additional mental health services based on your needs.
Sticking with your mindfulness journey may be challenging, especially at first. This is why self-forgiveness is a must. Be patient with yourself and allow space for inconsistency. Individual counseling appointments may be helpful in building this kindness. A licensed therapist can talk you through techniques for being gentle and patient with yourself as you strive to live a more mindful life.
While mindfulness is an individual practice, you don’t have to approach it alone. Group therapy focused on mindfulness can be a great resource for developing your practice. Through group counseling activities, you and your peers will empathize with each other and grow together. You can then take what you learn in these meetings into your everyday life.
The team at SOL Mental Health is proud to offer holistic support to those growing in their mindfulness journey. Our mental and behavioral health clinic focuses on overall wellness, supporting the mind and body. Our office provides a confidential and calming environment for our clients. Contact us today to set up a consultation.
SOL Mental Health is partnered with several insurance providers to make our services more accessible to you. You can verify your insurance through our website before scheduling an appointment.
