Mindfulness - What It Is, And How It Helps Us Move Forward

The term "Mindfulness" has gained notable traction in recent years, permeating various spheres of life where it's utilized for therapeutic purposes, stress mitigation, and the comprehensive enhancement of both health and life satisfaction. Interestingly, "Mindfulness" finds its roots in the Buddhist principle of "sati." Sati, in turn, means remembering, awareness, attentiveness, a state of alert presence, and many other things. In our lives, we often operate on "autopilot" - doing several things at once and multitasking. In the effort to balance work, home, finances, and other urgent tasks, we form such a daily routine where it's very easy to lose the sense of the present moment.

In fact, if we look closely at our daily lives, we rarely "show up" in our own lives. Very often, we fail to notice the beautiful things and to fully experience the moment. Mindfulness is training yourself to pay attention to the world and to experience it in the present moment. To focus on the present moment. Intentionally concentrate on what's happening around you. Refrain from criticizing the ongoing circumstances or assigning them value judgments as "good" or "bad."

The core principle of "Mindfulness" can be articulated as follows:
Fostering mindfulness - in other words, heightening our awareness of our thoughts and behaviors, and recognizing the sensations within the mind and body.
Being present - responding authentically and spontaneously to the present situation.
To see - to see what's happening around us and with us here and now.

The world has perpetually evolved swiftly, but presently it appears to whirl even more rapidly. The working conditions have shifted post-pandemic. Remote and hybrid work arrangements have surfaced, altering the daily routines at home and in the workplace. Present-day individuals and workers endure heightened levels of stress, busyness, and unease. Continuously, we dart from one location to another, from one duty to the next. The perpetual sensation of being behind schedule persists, with the hours in a day seeming inadequate. This ongoing strain increasingly prompts dialogues about burnout, overwhelm, and the necessity for repose, self-nurturing, and equilibrium between professional and personal life. Most air travelers likely recall the airline safety briefing's emphasis on self-assistance. Primarily, we must secure our own oxygen masks before aiding fellow passengers or our children! Should we not feel well ourselves, we cannot fully contribute at work or home in tending to our dear ones. Therefore, embracing and employing continual mindfulness techniques is vital to "anchor" ourselves and reconnect internally.

Spend a few seconds on each sense and make a list of all the things you feel in the moment. Touch - the texture of your clothes, the hardness of the chair you're sitting on, the material your desk is made of. Repeat this exercise for each sense. This is a powerful technique that brings you back to the present moment, where everything can be reduced to something familiar and safe for your mind. This not only distracts you from intrusive thoughts but also "tricks" your mind into thinking about something that brings it peace.

Very often, while we're doing something, our minds wander instead of focusing on our task. If you notice this happening, bring your mind back to the present and pay attention to the action you're performing.

Rarely do we find ourselves in complete silence without hearing the TV or music in the background. Therefore, set aside at least 10 minutes a day to stand in silence. A good option is to work in complete silence if your workspace allows it. You'll notice that at the end of the workday, you won't be as tired. Take breaks, but avoid social media. Most people have the habit of browsing their social media or visiting other websites when they have a short break. Instead, use the time to go outside and look into the distance. This works well for both your mind and your eyesight!

Be sure that by following these tips, your quality of life will improve and you will reduce stress consciously!