Mindfulness – a word I am hearing non-stop at the moment (hooray!) but what does it mean? In the simplest of definitions it means taking a step back and enjoying each moment for the individual seconds that they are.
Enjoying a few moments of mindfulness or clarity is not only a simple thing to do but it can be implemented in all areas of your life… simply taking several deep breaths at your office desk and regroup or taking time away from distractions as you enjoy your breakfast.
Over recent (and not so recent years) there have been different research completed around Mindfulness, and while some studies find the information inconclusive and suggest further study there has also been shown a decrease in stress, weight gain and increase in mental clarity, happiness, and overall well-being. Really I think it comes down to trying it for yourself and seeing how it can benefit you.
MINDFULNESS WITH FOOD
Take a moment to enjoy your meal: these days meal times are a blur, everything is rushed, packaged for convenience on the go, blended or eaten at our desks, watching tv or chewing rapidly over a kitchen sink. Mealtimes should be simple and uncomplicated…your body already has so much do to! It is busy digesting, breaking down nutrients, using nutrients, cleansing, moving toxins out of the body… it’s important to take those 15 -30 or so minutes and enjoy your meal without any distractions – or as little as possible.
Look at your food: you have taken all the time and effort to create your delicious meal but then we scoff it down so quickly we miss all its beauty. Before each meal simply stop for a couple of seconds and look at it. Look at the colours and textures. Our eyes are the first part of digestion, when we see something delicious that we are about to eat our body gets excited, our mouth waters and our brain signals the digestive system that food is on its way.
Listen to your body: I know I say this one a lot… but that’s because it is true! when you remove all the distractions you are able to listen to what your body is saying. Are you eating because you are bored? are you hungry or just tired? are you thirsty or hungry? think about the last time you ate while watching tv or at your desk…did you look down and then only then realise that your meal was gone? this is when its time to stop and listen.
MINDFULNESS AT HOME
Start each day with a little break: the moments after we wake can be some of the most important in the day. Place those feet on the ground, do a little stretch and just breath. Listen to the noises in the garden near you or around the house. Even a little mantra such as “I am ready for the day” can help bring yourself into your own body.
Get out of the house in into nature: at least once a week (preferably more but once is a great place to start) head into nature and enjoy it. Leave your phone off and go for a little stroll, listen to the noises around you, walk along the beach or park.
Say goodnight to technology: The body loves a good night sleep, ideally 10pm-6am as this is when our body does so much magic! Cleansing, clearing, breaking down nutrients all while we sleep. Turning off phones, tv, laptops, and tablets at least an hour before bed not only gets the body ready for a restful night sleep it also gives your mind a little break too. Grab a book, chat with family and settle into your evening.
health and happiness,
alyce x