The term mindfulness is a buzzword that many people have been using to describe beliefs, awareness, or a state of meditation. These refer to large definitions and vague concepts, but what is it exactly? Mindfulness is a way of approaching your daily activities and a state of mind. When you are mindful, you are more aware of the things that are happening around you. This includes your feelings, thoughts, actions, and current mental disposition. This awareness can translate to a reduction of stress and a renewed sense of optimism and happiness. Ready to find out more about why you should practice mindfulness and how to approach it? Let’s dive right in!
Benefits of Mindfulness
The benefits of mindfulness are well examined. From stress reduction to an improvement of your memory and increased body awareness, practicing mindfulness has been observed to play an important role in increasing one’s standard of living. Those that practice mindfulness techniques may also observe the following benefits:
- Improving mental strength and resilience
- Improved sense of connectedness in retirement communities
- Decreased feelings of loneliness or sense of isolation
- Reduce chronic pain
- A boosted working memory
- Increased focus
- Improved cognitive flexibility
- Strengthened immune functioning
Practicing Mindfulness
Given all the benefits, it is little wonder why older adults looking to increase their standard of living turn to mindfulness practices. Practicing mindfulness does not take up a lot of time, yet provides immense benefits.
One way of practicing mindfulness is to engage in breathing exercises. Simply find a comfortable seating position and pay attention to the way you breathe. Take deep breaths and focus on the sensation of breathing as you relax your body.
Another way of increasing mindfulness is through an exercise that increases your body awareness. Find a comfortable and quiet area to rest. Pay attention to the way your feet feel, then your calves, your thighs, your hands, chest, and head. Gradually work your way through different body parts and pay attention to any tension, discomfort, or stress that your body might be keeping in. As you examine and increase your body awareness, try to keep your mind clear.
Lastly, you can attempt to journal down your thoughts, feelings, or reflections for the day. These journal exercises can be structured questions that you would like to record and preserve or unstructured thoughts that come to mind as you write. The journaling exercises serve as daily checkpoints for you to examine later, but also as an exercise on memory recall.
Learn and Practice Mindfulness at The Trace
Here at The Trace, we offer a Dimensions Health and Wellness program that aims to improve your quality of life in the community. Attend the various fitness classes, educational courses, or spiritual retreats we organize or talk to some dedicated professionals about mindfulness. In our senior living community, we offer exceptional value when it comes to the provision of care and support. Talk to our friendly team members to find out more about living at The Trace!
