Person sitting on a dock by a calm lake in a mountain valley, with lush green forests and rugged mountains in the background.

Article

How Mindfulness Can Save your Life

Written by Dr. Huggins

Being present.

Sound simple?

Think about the last time you were in the present moment, fully, without ruminating about the past or thinking about the future?

Give up?

According to a study done at Harvard University, humans spend 46.9% of their time thinking about anything but the present moment.

A woman writes the words 'RELAX RELAX RELAX' on a whiteboard with colorful drawings and phrases about mindfulness, such as 'Breathe,' 'CLOUD GAZING,' 'Plant,' 'Cook,' 'Positive Thinking,' 'Open Mind,' and 'Spend time with nature.' Several hands and cups of coffee are visible, along with drawings of clouds, a heart, a dog, a cactus, and a person doing yoga.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness has been defined as paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment, with openness, curiosity, and non-judgment.

Another useful definition of mindfulness is: Paying attention to the present moment, on purpose, with openness, curiosity, and non-judgment.

To better understand how to be in the present moment, mindfulness utilizes the senses to integrate us more fully into the present moment: sight, sound, smell, taste, and hearing.

Why does being present, or mindful, matter?

Mindfulness has been shown to have an overwhelming amount of emotional and physical health benefits.

Here are ways that Mindfulness can save your life:

1. Increased resiliency, or the ability to cope effectively with life’s challenges.

2. Reduction of stress and improved well-being, resulting in less anxiety and other difficult emotional experiences.

3. Reduction of depressive symptoms, or the recycling of negative, anxious thoughts.

4. Improved memory.

5. Increased relationship satisfaction.

6. Improved physical health and reduction of pain.

7. Enhanced quality of life.

The evidence for the benefits of mindfulness is overwhelming.

Interested?

Start practicing mindfulness now with these 3 simple techniques:

1. Sit quietly for 3-5 minutes a day and bring your attention to your body & your breath. When your thoughts naturally wander, gently bring your attention back to the breath. Be kind to yourself. It’s normal for your mind to wander, especially at first. Each time it does, gently note that your mind has wandered and bring your awareness back to your breath and body.

2. For one meal a day, take one minute to focus your attention fully on your food. Take in all the senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Research shows that mindful eating has multiple benefits, including weight loss.

3. At the beginning of each shower, practice being fully present to the experience of the shower. Notice the heat of the water on your skin, the sound of the water, the smells present from the soap and shampoo, and anything else involving your 5 senses.

Mindfulness can be something you can start now. If you need a reminder, try setting an alarm several times a day to remind you to pause and be mindful.

Learning mindfulness from a trained professional can be a journey worth taking. Practicing mindfulness is a journey worth taking, and it just may save your life.