Mindfulness can help you focusPart of the beauty of mindfulness is that you can practise it anywhere and anytime indoors, outside, in the morning or before you go to bed. By simply acknowledging what’s happening around you and pausing to observe your thoughts, feelings and sensations, you can gain a greater sense of perspective and calm. Mindful meditation Mindful meditation is a great way to get some “me time” that is, having time to yourself to do something that enriches your life. It focuses on deep diaphragmatic breathing as way of returning you to each moment, helping to calm the mind and body. When practising meditation, we simply notice thoughts and feelings as they arise then we allow them to pass without judgement, coming back, once again, to your breath. You can do this in addition to everyday mindfulness for example as part of winding down before bed. Is it right for you? Mindfulness can help anyone who might feel overrun by their thoughts. It can help to quieten the negative thoughts that can crowd our minds and undermine our confidence or lead us to procrastinate. Improving your interpersonal skills Mindfulness can also help with emotional intelligence whereby you become more attuned to and aware of your own emotions as well as those of others. This, in turn, can help to improve mutual understanding and resolve conflicts more effectively. Furthermore, it’s suggested that emotional intelligence is an important quality of a successful business leader, and so a valuable skill to hone. Physical benefits Mindfulness boasts physical benefits, too. It has been found to reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system and reduce the stress hormone cortisol. It also improves musculoskeletal health.
