A little mindfulness goes a long way
As our lives continue to get busier, and notably more stressful, people are turning to mindfulness – a type of meditation – to improve health and well-being.
Melbourne Demons coach Paul Roos uses mindfulness to remain calm in high pressure situations, in particular during game day. He has introduced a meditation program at the club that players can access to cope with pressure, expectations and negativity.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the deliberate act of focusing your attention on the emotions, thoughts and sensations in the present moment. By meditating on the present you’re eliminating any negative thoughts, judgements and anxieties about the past or what may be coming up in the future.
Mindfulness focuses on maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings and surroundings, and the long-term benefits are clear:
1. Changes the brain (neuroplasticity) at a cellular level:
Mindfulness enhances positive emotions and can make us less vulnerable to the stresses and upsets of daily life. If you want to build emotional resilience meditation is a great option.
2. Sharpens the minds’ ability to focus:
Life is often reactive but mindfulness can help us get back in the driver’s seat. By setting intentions, we create a proactive and empowering approach to life. It’s the ideal frame of mind for financial planning!
3. Boosts ability to fight illness:
One study found that just eight weeks of training and practicing mindfulness boosts the immune system and the body’s ability to combat illness.
For more information on how to practice mindfulness visit peacethroughmindfulness.com.au or download Mindfulness Meditation from the App Store.
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