Mindfulness
Do you frequently find yourself worrying about things that could happen in the future? Or spend a lot of time replaying negative situations from your past? Focusing too much on the present or past can lead to anxiety and/or depressed mood. Mindfulness can be helpful as it teaches you how to focus on what’s currently happening. “Mindfulness” describes purposefully focusing on the present moment without judging what you are noticing. There are many types of mindfulness, both formal and informal, and you may learn to direct you attention to your thoughts, bodily sensations, or environment. Mindfulness can be helpful for both children and adults. To learn more about what mindfulness is and why it can be helpful for you check out any of the following 2 minute videos below that introduce mindfulness:
To see a short animated and well explained description of mindfulness mediation from Headspace click here.
Learn why mindfulness can be a “super power” for you by clicking here.
Click here to hear Dr. John Kabat-Zinn, the founder of the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, introduce mindfulness in this brief minute video.
Therapy can help you learn mindfulness techniques that you can use in your every day life. There are a lot of different styles and ways to practice mindfulness, so therapy can introduce you to various ways to be mindful in order to help you find the type of mindfulness that is best for you. Mindfulness is most helpful and effective when practiced on a daily basis. Mindfulness has been shown to be effective in helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and chronic pain. Read more about the benefits of mindfulness here.
Want to get started now with mindfulness?
Mindfulness Apps for Teens & Adults:
Headspace (free trial then paid subscription)
Calm (free trial then paid subscription needed for most content)
Mindfulness Coach (free- developed by the VA for veterans with PTSD but exercises are applicable to anyone)
Mindfulness Apps for Children:
Click here to read the description and review of three apps (Smiling Mind; Mindful Powers; and Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame Street), recommended by the American Psychological Association (APA).