Just a quick look at some mindfulness methods of tackling negative emotional states like anxiety and depression. Remember that mindfulness meditation, and mindfulness based stress reduction is not a quick fix. It is about a technique you persevere with and see benefits from over time.
For a more detailed article on mindfulness and its application for anxiety click here.
The typical mindfulness meditation exercise involves watching the breath. Sitting (or lying) and bringing your concentration to bare on your breathing, and gently bringing it back to your breathing whenever you notice that it has wondered off elsewhere. In the seminal texts on the subject by Jon Kabat-Zinn it is suggested that the breath is notices not just as it enters the mouth but also in other places in the body that it reaches – the pit of the stomach, diaphragm, and even the toes!
Mindfulness meditation techniques are so good for sufferers of anxiety and panic that they are one of the few things I recommend universally. But the techniques are not limited to mindfulness sessions, you can live your life in an increasingly mindful way – and, I believe, reap many benefits. Allowing your attention to come to your breathing at various times of the day is one way to live more mindfully. Also, why not be mindful of other things…
Here is a list of things I like to be mindful of:
- My favourite colour of all the colours I can see at any given time
- The sensations of touch when I handle the things around me
- A savoured taste or smell
- How my toes feel
- What my excact mood is at a time, without trying to change it
There are many more potential ones. Try and add a few of your own and see if you can live IN the moment for some of everyday.
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