Why meditation might be easier than you think.

This week we're trying another new habit, mindful meditation. With a team that are busy at work and at home we could all do with a little help to wind down sometimes. So, how can making mindfulness be a simple practice to add to your day?

Mindfulness meditation has gained serious attention in recent years - and for good reason. From easing stress and chronic pain to improving sleep and even helping prevent long-term illness, the benefits are hard to ignore. It’s no wonder more and more people are looking to make meditation a part of their daily routine.

With meditation/mindfulness becoming a buzz word in recent years, people are still confused about what is actually means to be ‘mindful’. Mindfulness meditation is seen as “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment.”

Here are a few tips for how to get started,

• Instead of simply completing tasks on autopilot, daydreaming, or zoning out, mindfulness encourages you to stay present - focusing on what you’re actually doing and feeling in the moment. It’s about being aware of your thoughts and emotions, without letting your mind wander off.
• The goal is to be fully aware of your current experience, rather than replaying the past or planning for the future.
• In a typical mindfulness meditation, you focus on something steady, like your breath or the sounds around you. The exact object of focus may change depending on the meditation technique you’re practicing.
• You might choose to focus on a prayer, a mental image, or your breath (this could even be active such as yoga, tai chi or similar, with a focus on breath and how your body feels with movement).
• As you keep your attention on your chosen focal point, you simply observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them. You notice how thoughts arise and fade away, without following them or letting them distract you.
• Mindfulness helps you build self-awareness. Rather than trying to stop or judge your thoughts, you approach them with curiosity, acceptance, and kindness.

A recent research paper found that meditation offers several health benefits, including a positive impact on the immune system and even our genes. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy aging by regulating telomerase. Plus, it has shown improvements in both physical and mental health, leading to a better overall sense of well-being.