Meditation is a common way of practising mindfulness. But it is not the only way.
Mindfulness:
You can be mindful no matter what you’re doing, what time it is or where you are. You don’t have to have a reason to try it out. Regular mindfulness practice can help support your mental health in several ways.
Reduce stress and anxiety
Putting space between a thought and your reaction to it can help reduce any negative affect. By being mindful of negative thoughts from the start, you can act earlier to prevent them from getting worse.
Balance your emotions
Mindfulness practice can help you relax and self-regulate your emotions.
Improve your sleep
Mindfulness exercises can help you achieve good quality sleep and get sleep faster. Quality sleep is a key factor in supporting your mental health and wellbeing.
Highlight positive moments
Mindfulness can help you be present for the positive moments you care about in life. Rather than distracted by unpleasant thoughts about the past and the future. It can also help you avoid getting caught up in judgement or expectation.
Offer perspective
Being more aware of your thoughts and surroundings can help you make better choices about how to act or respond.
Create healthy habits
Changing your habits can be hard. Being mindful can help you be more aware of what’s working for you and what’s not.
Improve concentration (and productivity)
Being present can help you notice when you become distracted. You can then choose how to address the distraction. Whether you take a break, re-focus on the task or do something else.
Notice warning signs earlier
Being mindful means you're better able to identify challenges to your mental health. The earlier you notice warning signs, the earlier you can respond or seek support to take care of yourself.
There are many exercises, activities and methods that can help you practise mindfulness. It might take a while to find out what works for you, and that’s okay.
Once you’ve found with a way that works for you, try to do it regularly. Having a set time each day to practise can help embed mindfulness into your routine. Just 5 minutes a day can help start to you feel the benefits.
It’s not the only way, but meditation practise is a great way to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. Guided meditation exercises are a good way to start. These are led by a guide, whether in-person or through audio or video. The guide can help you focus your attention on your thoughts or feelings.
There are many apps and websites that offer free mindfulness meditation exercises.
Download the free mindfulness app from Smiling Mind
Mindful walking is a great way to work mindfulness into your daily routine. Find a nice safe place to walk – like a park or garden – and think about your senses while you’re walking. What can you see, hear, touch, smell or taste?
Mindfulness-based treatments can help you manage anxiety or depression.
They can help you:
MBCT involves mindfulness meditation together with cognitive behaviour therapy.
Find a mental health professional
Learn about treatments for anxiety
Learn about treatments for depression
If you feel that mindfulness could benefit someone you’re worried about, and you’re not sure how to bring it up, we have tips to guide you.
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