Dealing with mega challenges like all the chaotic changes in our lives due to COVID-19 requires a shift in mindset and can be dramatically helped by practicing mindfulness. The cornerstone of personal development, mindfulness refers to engaging completely with your surroundings and, subsequently, being totally present in the moment. When you are in the “now,” you are not worrying about what might happen but instead are facing what is. This, in turn, provides the opportunity to identify your true feelings about what you are confronting and paves the way for personal growth and transitioning through the crisis. 

How Do You Achieve Mindfulness?

Right now, there are probably a dozen or more stressors vying for your attention. So how do you focus on the present moment? The easiest way to center yourself when your mind starts racing is by breathing. That’s right: Achieving mindfulness is as easy as performing simple breathing exercises. 

Start by taking a long, deep breath through your nose while keeping your shoulders relaxed. Let your abdomen expand as you inhale. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth, pursing your lips as you do. Repeat until your stress or anxiety starts to subside and you’re able to focus on the present moment instead. 

You can use simple breathing techniques to facilitate focus in virtually any scenario. If you want to take your mindfulness to the next level, set aside time every day to practice meditation. When performed correctly, this mental exercise produces a clear and calm emotional state, thereby contributing to better attention and even more awareness. 

What Are the Benefits of Mindfulness?

If you make an active effort to become more mindful in your everyday life, you’ll reap a number of benefits. For example, mindfulness has proven to reduce destructive emotions like stress and anxiety, especially in times of upheaval. It can also combat clinical depression and improve cognition. 

Your mental health and emotional clarity aren’t all that will benefit from mindfulness. Research indicates mindful meditation can also contribute to physical health by boosting immunity. This, in turn, will make you less susceptible to infections and the dreaded virus causing the current pandemic. Try this free recording to stop anxiety in less than 15 minutes: Gratitude Meditation.

Incorporating mindfulness into your everyday routine will contribute to your personal development and wellbeing. To achieve optimal results, reach out to Peggy Sealfon-Stonewater Studio for customized strategies.  This Stress and Anxiety Expert can help you identify actionable steps for achieving your fullest potential and manage panic, trauma, and stress.  To learn more about all her services and discover many of her supportive free programs, visit her website.