How to Be More Mindful — Starting Right Now

Over the past few years, the concept of mindfulness has been gaining momentum in the public sphere. And it's no wonder — we're all so stressed out! Finding time to focus on wellness is definitely a good thing, especially since so many people feel overwhelmed by the modern world.

In an oversaturated landscape of obligations and technology, many of us find that our sense of well-being is drained by the demands of the day. We need to find a way to recharge and nourish ourselves in stressful times. Beginning a mindfulness practice is the first step in building a more present you, and elevating your quality of life. That's why learning how to be mindful is such an important thing to do.

Although it might sound complicated, mindfulness can be as simple as remembering to pay attention to the present moment or simply take the time to breathe. Here, we'll discuss what mindfulness actually means, why it's important and a few simple tips for kick-starting your mindfulness journey. If you're wondering how to be more mindful, this article is a great place to start.

Breaking Free From The Negativity Cycle

In their groundbreaking book "Brain Wash, Detox Your Mind for Clearer Thinking, Deeper Relationships, and Lasting Happiness," Drs. David and Austin Pearlmutter discuss how negativity and stress can form a difficult-to-escape cycle that leaves people feeling trapped and overwhelmed by the negative circumstances of their lives.

The Danger of Quick Fixes

Individuals might experience unhappiness due to life circumstances, such as poor physical or mental health, strain or injury to their body, chronic stress or many other factors. This unhappiness leads them to seek out what the Pearlmutters call "quick fixes," a dopamine burst that causes instant gratification and temporarily increases feelings of well-being. Quick fixes could include snacking on cookies or other junk food, checking in with fluffy content on social media or any number of other things that cause temporary good feelings.

Our days are full of distractions designed to create the "quick fix" feedback loop the Pearlmutters warn us about, distracting us from our bodily sensations and experiences in the present moment. The worst offenders? Screens. Excessive screen time has been directly tied to negative mental health outcomes. Furthermore, the Pearlmutters warn that existing in a world full of phones and screens, as many people in the United States and other developed countries do, means we're not getting the kind of positive interactions we need to build a sense of community. "We spend our days ... scrolling, clicking, texting, activating the rewards circuit," they said.



Moderation and Awareness Can Help You Break Free

No one is immune to these simple pleasures, and there's nothing wrong with indulging in them (mindfully!) once in a while. Issues arise when you use these ways of self-soothing over and over, allowing yourself to develop a habit of chronic dependence on any or all of these short-term fixes. Many studies show that your health can be impacted by relying on familiar cycles of self-soothing without developing an awareness of how your habits are actually impacting your health. The Pearlmutters believe that these crutches only exacerbate the conditions that led you to seek out your quick fix to begin with, creating a cycle that can be difficult to escape.

Source: vegamour