Why mindfulness is so healthy
Actually, it's quite simple: when we eat, we eat; when we walk, we walk; when we talk on the phone, we talk on the phone. But in fact it's not simple at all. While we're eating, we're already thinking about the next meeting; while we're walking, we're thinking about the phone call we have to make to a customer later. And when we're on the phone, we're also jotting down what we need to buy later. We call this "multitasking" and believe that this is necessary in today's professional life. Or in life in general.
It's no wonder that many people are under pressure and the number of burnout cases is steadily increasing. We are too often in a thought spiral of worries and fears and too little in the present moment. To learn how to do this, it's worth practicing mindfulness.
It is important to us that you feel good. That's why at Holmes Place Premium Clubs you will find a wide range of relaxation courses, as well as advice on your diet. And - of course - wonderful SPAs where you can enjoy yourself.
What is mindfulness?
If you are mindful, you are in the here and now. In other words, in the exact activity that he or she is currently engaged in. Eating, biking, running, talking on the phone, ironing.... Mindfulness is the opposite of multitasking. Our thoughts are on the present activity. If we are mindful, it won't happen to us that at some point we stare at our empty plate and can't even remember what we just ate. Then we perceive. The color of the carrots, the juicy texture of the salmon fillet, the intense scent of the rosemary with which the fillet was seasoned. We notice the taste, which changes a bit during the chewing process. And we fully enjoy the meal.
Living in the here and now
Those who are in the here and now allow thoughts and worries, but they do not judge them. Nor does he dwell on them, but lets them move on. That sounds simple, but it takes practice. Because almost all of us know the overzealous mind that is constantly thinking, brooding, fearing and hoping. Such a mind cannot relax. Not to mention that much of what we fear doesn't actually happen.
Where does mindfulness come from?
Mindfulness originated in Buddhism. Here, meditation is an important component. But meditation does not work without mindfulness. This was also recognized by the American molecular biologist Jon Kabat-Zinn, who brought the practice of mindfulness to the West. In 1979, he developed mindfulness-based stress reduction, or MBSR for short, which is now taught worldwide. There are eight-week courses that are sponsored by many health insurance companies. Its effectiveness has been proven. By the way: Mindfulness has nothing to do with religion, even though it originates from Buddhism.
Benefits of mindfulness
Too much at the same time leads to stress and concentration problems. Many employees are familiar with this: documents pile up on their desk that need to be processed, the phone rings incessantly, and the boss comes in between with another task that needs to be done immediately. Overtime is the norm. And in the evening, there's the household chores to do...
If this happens occasionally, you can get over it. But if it becomes a permanent situation, it can lead to burnout at some point.
But how can mindfulness help here? Those who practice it regularly are more psychologically stable, can handle stress better, find solutions to problems more easily, can concentrate better, worry less, are more patient with themselves and others, and feel more positive and satisfied overall. Sounds good, right?
Mindfulness is not only valuable for mental health. It also supports the body. The immune system benefits when feelings of stress subside, infections become fewer, and tension in the shoulder and neck area also disappears.
How can I learn mindfulness?
There is a very simple remedy that helps immediately if you are willing to engage in it: Breathe. No matter where you are: Take a deep, conscious breath. If you like, put a hand on your belly and feel it fill with air. Hold the air for a second or two and then slowly exhale. As you do so, consciously let go of the stress. Notice how it leaves your body. It feels good - give it a try!
You can practice mindfulness every day and almost anywhere. A few examples:
When eating - concentrate fully on the food, chewing, tasting and swallowing. Nothing else.
At the red light - instead of getting angry about being interrupted, do some breathing exercises. In-out-in-out. Breathe deeply, slowly and consciously.
When talking on the phone - focus exclusively on the conversation. No matter what colleagues are doing at the next table or what else you notice. Always turn your attention back.
When brushing your teeth - keep your mind on the circular movements of the brush.
For a few days, pay attention to where your thoughts wander when you do something. And let them drift away like a cloud. You can deal with it later.
Also, try to avoid multitasking. Stick to one activity, that's quite enough. And if you concentrate fully on one task first and then on the other, you will probably be even faster than if you do two things at once.
You can support your exercise with the "Mind & Body" classes at Holmes Place. Yoga or meditation contain mindfulness elements, and they also support you in letting go of tension. Give it a try, it's worth it!