Mindfulness; an awareness of what you are doing in the present moment; an awareness of why you are doing what you are doing; an awareness of the here and the now.
Mindfulness is becoming increasingly popular. People are using it as a way of coping with the stresses and the pressures of life. And realistically, we all have some stress and pressure in our lives. Whether they be financial, personal, professional, family-related, or just every-day stresses.
I found myself in quite a difficult position early last year. After having some crappy health news, my mental health began to suffer as a result. I internalised a lot of my thoughts and worries and became very down. At the time, a friend in work, Karen, suggested Mindfulness as a technique to help children in school deal with some issues they may have been having. She asked a group of us to have a think about introducing Mindfulness as a way of helping children with behavioural issues and children who had trouble dealing with their emotions. She even gave us chocolate (as a bribe, I reckon!) and encouraged us to 'eat mindfully'!! To be honest, I thought she was a bit cracked, but I loved the idea of it!
And that was just the beginning! After looking into it, I decided to give it a go myself. I began by simply downloading the HeadSpace App for my phone. Every evening I would take ten or fifteen minutes to do the sessions. It helped me to focus on the person's voice and really listen. I would lie on my bed, quiet and still and just focus. And for those ten minutes, I would feel some peace. I began to look more into it and discovered The Mindfulness Journal. It is described like this:
"The Mindfulness Journal offers an introduction to mindfulness and easy exercises that can be done whether you are sitting at your desk, squeezed on to a crowded train, or standing in line at the supermarket. Beautifully illustrated, with notes pages to record your thoughts, this journal is your indispensable companion to a more peaceful, stress-free day."
And that was just the beginning! After looking into it, I decided to give it a go myself. I began by simply downloading the HeadSpace App for my phone. Every evening I would take ten or fifteen minutes to do the sessions. It helped me to focus on the person's voice and really listen. I would lie on my bed, quiet and still and just focus. And for those ten minutes, I would feel some peace. I began to look more into it and discovered The Mindfulness Journal. It is described like this:
"The Mindfulness Journal offers an introduction to mindfulness and easy exercises that can be done whether you are sitting at your desk, squeezed on to a crowded train, or standing in line at the supermarket. Beautifully illustrated, with notes pages to record your thoughts, this journal is your indispensable companion to a more peaceful, stress-free day."
Even just reading through these in a calm, quiet voice helped me. I also used breathing techniques to help with my stress levels. I took up Pilates and found this gave me great stength, both physically and mentally. I really looked forward to my sessions and it was lovely to get some relief from the internal anguish I was feeling.
And gradually, things began to get better - well, in my head they did anyway! I still had the health issues, but my mental health was greatly improved. I also focused on my physical health, and this is when I joined the gym, and the rest is history!
I began to look at things more logically and focus on the present. There was no point in worrying about what the future would hold. I had no control over that. I could control what I was doing in the present moment. Letting the past or the possible future take over my thoughts and my actions was just damaging the present. The stress lessened and I began to see things more clearly. I focused on what I had and what was happening each day, and took one day at a time.
Don't get me wrong, it didn't happen over-night. It took me about four months of practicing Mindfulness before I saw 'results'. There were times when I really felt like giving up, and there were times I did give up - and that's OK. I understand that that's part of life. And even now, not every day is perfect, I still have times of worry and stress, but I now have the skills to deal with my emotions.
Times of change can be difficult, and the start of this school year is no different. But again, I have the skills to cope. I know how to deal with things when I become overwhelmed or anxious or stressed or overcome with worry. I know that it will pass, as it is just a moment in time, and like all moments, they too will pass. I cannot control what has happened in the past, I certainly cannot control what happens in the future, but I have the power to control my present, and that's good enough for me! I reckon I'm doing a great job to be where I am, to be as happy and as positive as I am and to have the understanding about my emotions. I've come a long way in 18 months. I genuinely wouldn't recognise myself if I saw myself, or encountered myself. And I am definitely not going to go back to that place.
And gradually, things began to get better - well, in my head they did anyway! I still had the health issues, but my mental health was greatly improved. I also focused on my physical health, and this is when I joined the gym, and the rest is history!
I began to look at things more logically and focus on the present. There was no point in worrying about what the future would hold. I had no control over that. I could control what I was doing in the present moment. Letting the past or the possible future take over my thoughts and my actions was just damaging the present. The stress lessened and I began to see things more clearly. I focused on what I had and what was happening each day, and took one day at a time.
Don't get me wrong, it didn't happen over-night. It took me about four months of practicing Mindfulness before I saw 'results'. There were times when I really felt like giving up, and there were times I did give up - and that's OK. I understand that that's part of life. And even now, not every day is perfect, I still have times of worry and stress, but I now have the skills to deal with my emotions.
Times of change can be difficult, and the start of this school year is no different. But again, I have the skills to cope. I know how to deal with things when I become overwhelmed or anxious or stressed or overcome with worry. I know that it will pass, as it is just a moment in time, and like all moments, they too will pass. I cannot control what has happened in the past, I certainly cannot control what happens in the future, but I have the power to control my present, and that's good enough for me! I reckon I'm doing a great job to be where I am, to be as happy and as positive as I am and to have the understanding about my emotions. I've come a long way in 18 months. I genuinely wouldn't recognise myself if I saw myself, or encountered myself. And I am definitely not going to go back to that place.
So today is World Mental Health Day, and I'm urging you, that if you, or somebody you know and love is having a tough time - seek help and take some time out (or time in, as it is sometimes referred to in Mindfulness) Whether that means going to see a professional, having a chat with a friend, joining a new class, do it. Don't let it linger and fester and turn into something more serious! I am forever greatful to Karen for introducing me to Mindfulness. I am so happy that I had the support of my family and friends to help get me through some tough time. I am so glad that I am in a much better place right now and am able to discuss this with you, and who knows, maybe even help some people out along the way! Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved! <3 |