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You’ve probably heard the term “mindfulness” before, but you may be unaware of what it entails, and what it can do to boost your physical and mental health. Simply put, mindfulness encourages you to pay attention to your thoughts, your actions, and your body.

The practice of mindfulness and being mindful means taking time to notice your breathing, as well as anything your senses might be noticing while going about your daily activities. It’s a very mild type of meditation, meant to increase feelings of calm and focus while reducing stress and anxiety. Everything, from drinking a cup of coffee to walking your dog, can be imbued with mindfulness. Many people find that starting their day off with mindful exercises, something as easy as stretching slowly for at least 10 seconds, noticing any tightness, — noticing without judgment, and taking stock, is a fantastic way to prepare them for the day. You can also end your day mindfully by taking just a few minutes before bed to sit down and focus on taking slow, deep breaths. This practice can help you wind down and prepare for a good night’s sleep. This can help keep you feeling grounded.

Studies suggest that mindfulness practices may help people manage stress, cope better with serious illness and reduce anxiety and depression. Many people who practice mindfulness report an increased ability to relax, greater enthusiasm for life, and improved self-esteem. Studies have also shown benefits against an array of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, and post-traumatic stress disorder. While some of those findings have been called into question, either due to small sample sizes or problematic experimental designs, there are still a handful of key areas — including depression, chronic pain, and anxiety — in which well-designed, well-run studies have shown benefits for patients engaging in a mindfulness meditation program, with effects like other existing treatments. One NIH-supported study found a link between mindfulness meditation and measurable changes in the brain regions involved in memory, learning, and emotion. Another NIH-funded researcher reported that mindfulness practices may reduce anxiety and hostility among urban youth and lead to reduced stress, fewer fights, and better relationships.

Finding time for mindfulness in our culture, however, can be a challenge. We tend to place great value on how much we can do at once and how fast. You can practice mindfulness throughout the day, even while answering e-mails, sitting in traffic, or waiting in line. All you must do is become more aware of your breath, of your feet on the ground, of your fingers typing, of the people and noises around you. Try taking 3 big breaths, observing your surroundings, and taking note of what your body needs.

As a reminder, we are open Monday through Thursday, and we are taking new patients! Give us a call at 828-525-9631 to schedule an appointment with Dr.Leipold, or come see us at Call us at 828-575-9631 or come see us at 606 A New Leicester Hwy in Asheville NC .