Are you looking for a way to reduce stress and increase productivity? Mindfulness practices are continuing to demonstrate positive effects on those who practice them. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “Mindfulness” refers to a psychological state of awareness, the practices that promote this awareness, a mode of processing information and a character trait.
The APA also lists some of the gains of mindfulness:
- Reduced rumination, or fixation on negative thoughts. People who meditate are able to focus more on the present moment and less on negative thoughts and past events, which can help decrease depression symptoms.
- Stress reduction. Mindfulness techniques can shift focus in the brain, allowing individuals to reduce anxiety when experiencing a stressful event.
- Improved working memory. Working memory is partly responsible for recalling things “in the moment” while doing an activity; for example, remembering steps while preparing a favorite recipe.
- Improved focus. Individuals who practice mindfulness are able to ignore distractions more consistently.
- Less emotional reactivity. People who practice mindfulness techniques have demonstrated an increased ability to disengage from emotionally upsetting tasks and images more quickly during research studies.
- Increased flexible thinking. Individuals who practice mindfulness are better able to take present moments into account rather than relying on previous learning, which makes them adapt to changes in circumstances more quickly.
- Relationship satisfaction. Individuals who practice meditation and mindfulness are better able to respond to relationship stress and communicate their emotional needs to their partners.
Are you interested in learning more about mindfulness? Contact the Family Health Clinic at (800) 321-5043 and ask to speak to one of our behavioral health specialists.
Interested in more mental health tips? Check out two more articles from our Behavioral Health Specialists:
