Impact of Mindfulness on our Health & Wellbeing

“As you read this, wiggle your toes. Feel the way they push against your shoes, and the weight of your feet on the floor. Congratulations, you’ve just done a few moments of mindfulness”

Says Tom Ireland writing for 'Scientific American'

Did you know Mindfulness originates from Buddhism?

We don’t have to be Buddhists to practice it though.

“You too could become enlightened!”

It’s been a useful therapy for anxiety and depression for around the last decade.

Schools, pro sports teams and military units are exploring it’s possibilities for enhanced performance, and is showing promise as a way of helping sufferers of chronic pain, addiction and tinnitus, too.

There is even some evidence that mindfulness can help with the symptoms of certain physical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, cancer, and HIV.

“And all it involves is some quiet reflection each week and even better 10 minutes each day”. 

If you would like to try some mindfulness, we like to use this one for clients, it’s just 10 minutes long just click here.

A University in North Carolina at Chapel Hill demonstrated a correlation between mindfulness practice in couples and an enhanced relationship.

“The couples reported improved closeness, acceptance of one another, autonomy, and general relationship satisfaction.” 

This ‘loving-kindness’ type meditation involves positive imagery and wishes towards another or yourself affecting how we relate to people.

One study tested participants by showing them pictures of strangers after carrying out this particular ‘loving-kindness’ meditation.

The participant’s thoughts and feelings were positively affected regarding the stranger’s pictures, which demonstrated how the meditation heightened their abilities to socially connect.

Also, parents of children with disabilities noticed increased positive parenting and improved relationship with their children. They also experienced less stress as a result of the mindfulness.

“In these studies, the children of these parents benefited from the mindful parenting practice, showing decreases in aggressive and non-compliant behaviour.”

If you or someone you know is interested in experiencing the benefits of mindfulness, or you are finding life difficult to cope with, please contact Therapy for Life

Sam or Jackie will be happy to help you.
Source:
Scientific American
Mindfulness Research