As we live in such a busy world, it’s easy for us to focus our attention on what’s going on around us, while losing sight of what’s happening on the inside. Although we’re efficient in our jobs, schedules and day to day lives, it’s understandable that we get completely preoccupied with these things, resulting in a weaker connection with our inner selves. Losing that connection can result in stress, anxiety and many other issues. This is where mindfulness comes in, such a wonderful yet bizarre concept to many.

What is mindfulness? Why do I need it? Isn’t is super time consuming? Okay okay, let’s talk about it!

What does it mean to be mindful?

Mindfulness is simply being aware of your mental well being and is a way of managing the mind. It helps to bring your attention back to your inner self, while focusing on your feelings, mindset and overall energy. Mindfulness is a calm and therapeutic technique, used to tackle things such as stress, anxiety and depression. It can also be used for relaxation alone. It’s a beneficial tool which aims to improve your head space, thought process and overall self.

Mindfulness can be as simple as taking yourself on a nice summer walk, having a technology detox or creating an evening dedicated to self care. It can also be used in the form of meditation. Anything which means you get to stop and focus on yourself is being mindful.

What are the benefits?

Mindfulness and meditation offer many benefits, all of which help to improve your mindset, mood and general health. Not only can they decrease stress and anxiety levels, they can help with concentration, memory, sleep, creativity and productivity. They both work to change your perspective, helping you to see things in a much more positive and calmer light, while dealing with things in a much calmer manner. The magic of mindfulness and meditation is that it’s something you can take everywhere you go and these benefits will always go hand in hand with your daily life, whether that’s at work or home.

Here are some other ways being mindful can help:

  • A greater understanding and acceptance of emotion
  • Manage chronic pain
  • Increased motivation
  • Mental clarity
  • Self confidence

What do I do?

The most common way of being mindful is through meditation, and just like anything, it takes patience and practice. I personally like to do 15 minutes morning and night, where I sit on the edge of my bed, close my eyes and do some deep breathing exercises. Quick, simple and a great start and end to the day! Saying this, there are many types of meditation, some of which include:

  • Guided meditation
  • Breath awareness meditation
  • Transcendental meditation
  • Body scanning meditation

Why not have a little research about what you think would suit you best, or maybe you could start off by doing something similar to my morning routine? YouTube is a great place for beginners and offers a whole load of guided videos dedicated to mindfulness and meditation. If you’re not so keen on that idea, you could go and run yourself a big bubble bath, pour yourself a wine and simply relax, maybe even start a journal?

Being aware of yourself is so important and is definitely something that we should all prioritise. We can never have to much self love and should always be nourishing and taking care of ourselves. No matter how hectic life gets, taking that time out is key and feeling your best is… well, it’s just amazing right? If there’s anything you do today, dedicate time for YOU and give your mind and body some TLC.

HAPPY SELF LOVING!

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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