About seven years ago, when I was pregnant with my eldest, I first heard about how meditation could help with stress. I first started with a meditation app, and it helped a lot in managing my anxiety, especially dealing with the challenges of an APAS mama.
But then, life got busy again, and I forgot all about it.
In 2019, I gave it another shot and it really clicked for me. I learned from a meditation teacher and I have not stopped since. Mindfulness and meditation have helped me to slow down and be more in the moment, even though it’s something I continue to work on every day.
Understanding Mindfulness
Mindfulness sounds fancy, but it’s pretty simple. (Simple but not really easy because of our busy minds!)
But in essence, think of it like this: It’s paying attention to what’s happening right now but in a friendly way. You’re not judging or getting lost in thoughts about what happened yesterday or what you’ve got to do tomorrow.
Dr. Shauna Shapiro, one of the teachers (and clinical psychologist) who knows a lot about this stuff, says it’s about being curious and kind about what’s going on in and around you.
This makes total sense, especially in these days where life moves too fast.
The Real Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation
- Less Stress. Practicing mindfulness can cut down on how frazzled you feel. It’s like giving your brain a chill pill, helping you not sweat the small stuff so much. There are many scientific studies now that illustrate the benefits of mindfulness and meditation in helping us deal with the daily stresses of life.
- Better Focus. Mindfulness helps you keep your head in the game. Whether you’re at work or doing something at home, you’ll find yourself less distracted. This particular benefit was something I can personally attest to. Since I started with my practice, I have taken on a lot of projects (aromatherapy, coaching, and now taking my master’s in Psychology, all while juggling being a mom and a marketing consultant for several companies here in the Philippines).
- Happier Mood. It’s not magic, but it can feel like it. Regularly taking time to be mindful can make you feel more balanced and less up-and-down emotionally.
- Good Sleep. Ever lie in bed with your mind racing? Mindfulness can help quiet those thoughts so you can get some decent sleep, which is essential to our overall health.
- Knowing Yourself Better. It helps you get to know what makes you tick, noticing your reactions and thoughts without getting caught up in them. For me, it helped me identify my triggers and be aware of my reactions to them so I can deal with them better the next time.
Mindfulness in Daily Life
Now, how do you make this mindfulness thing a habit?
Start simple.
Take a few minutes each day to just sit quietly and notice your breath. When I started, I could barely stay still for 5 minutes. As I continued to train my brain for this skill, it became a lot easier to slow down and focus.
As you progress into the practice, you are able to find little moments in your day to just be where you are.
The Common Hurdles and How to Jump Them
It’s not always easy to start being mindful (and this is coming from your typical Type A ex-corporate junkie.
You might think you’re too busy, or it’s too hard to focus.
But it’s okay to start small. Even a minute or two is better than nothing.
And remember, it’s normal for your mind to wander. The trick is to gently bring it back, without getting upset at yourself.
Taking the Next Step in Your Mindfulness Journey
If this talk about mindfulness has got you thinking, why not take the next step?
Whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your practice, remember, I’m here to help. As a Certified Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher, I offer personalized guidance and support.
Want to learn more?
Feel free to reach out to me for workshops, one-on-one sessions, or just a friendly chat about your mindfulness journey by sending me a message at hello@callmebalot.com.
You can also grab my Meditation Journal, which is a digital printable you can use at home, if you want to strengthen your practice.
Let’s make this journey together, one mindful step at a time.
