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Mindfulness

​What is Mindfulness
At some point in your life, someone probably told you: “Enjoy every moment. Life is short.” Maybe you’ve smiled and rolled your eyes at this well-intentioned relative or co-worker. But the fact is, there’s something to it. Trying to enjoy each moment may be good for your health.

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, a greater enthusiasm for life and improved self-esteem.

A major benefit of mindfulness is that it encourages you to pay attention to your thoughts, your actions and your body.

How can you put mindfulness into practice:

Take some deep breaths.  Breathe in through your nose to a count of 4, hold for 1 second and then exhale through the mouth to a count of 5. Repeat often. 

Enjoy a stroll.  As you walk, notice your breath and the sights and sounds around you.  As thoughts and worries enter your mind, note them but then return to the present. 

Practice mindful eating.  Be aware of taste, textures and flavors in each bite and listen to your body when you are hungry and full.  

Find mindfulness resources in your local community. Look for yoga and meditation classes, mindfulness-based stress reduction programs and books.  

 

​Meditation
​Meditation is a mind and body practice that has a long history of use for increasing calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and well-being. Mind and body practices focus on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior. Meditation is generally considered to be safe for healthy people.​ There have been rare reports that meditation could cause or worsen symptom in people with certain psychiatric problems. 
Many studies have investigated meditation for different conditions, and there’s evidence that it may reduce blood pressure as well as symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and flare-ups in people who have had ulcerative colitis. It may ease symptoms of anxiety and depression and may help people with insomnia.

 
 
 
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​Mindfulness at Work

Current trends in the workplace indicates the American workforce is becoming more mindful.  See articles below that provide useful information on mindfulness practices and their impact at the workplace.

Mindfulness at the Workplace

Boosting Productivity at Work: How Mindfulness Training Helps

 
  

Yoga typically combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation or relaxation. Yoga is a mind and body practice with origins in ancient Indian philosophy. people who practice yoga believe that it improves their general well-being, and there is beginning to be evidence that it may help with some aspects of wellness including stress management, balance, positive aspects of mental health, and promoting healthy eating and physical activity habits.

 

  • Yoga may help relieve low-back pain and neck pain.
  • Yoga may help people with diabetes control their blood sugar. 
  • Yoga may help people manage sleep problems.
  • Yoga may be helpful for people who are trying to quit smoking.
  • Yoga may be helpful for people who are trying to quit smoking.

    Yoga-based interventions may help overweight/obese people lose weight.

  ​Yoga: In Depth ​

5 Things You Should Know About Yoga

Yoga and Low-Back Pain​

 

 
​Sleep

In our demanding lives sleep is not always treated as a priority. To fit everything in we often sacrifice sleep. ​Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.​

Insomnia 

Your Guide to Healthy Sleep ​

Problem Sleepiness ​​

At-A-Glance: Healthy Sleep​

Drowsy Driving and Automobile Crashes​

Tips for Better Sleep 

What Should I Do If I Can't Sleep​

Sleep and Chronic Diseases​

 
​Relaxation Techniques
​Relaxation techniques may be helpful in managing a variety of health conditions, including anxiety associated with illnesses or medical procedures, insomnia, labor pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. 

Researchers have evaluated relaxation techniques to see whether they could play a role in managing a variety of health conditions, including the following: anxiety, asthma, childbirth, depression, heart disease, insomnia, pain and irritable bowel syndrome.  

Rest, Relaxation and Exercise. ​

5 Things to Know About Relaxation Techniques for Stress. ​

7 Things to Know About Complementary Health Approaches for Skin​