5 Ways to Take Your Mindfulness Skills to the Next Level
Mindfulness is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety, prevent depression, increase body satisfaction and cognition as well as reduce distraction and keep you focused.
With the promise of such life-changing benefits, why wouldn’t you want to take your mindfulness skills to the next level?
The ability to be present, aware of our body and aware of what we are doing without reaction, is something we all have. This ability is more accessible when you have a mindfulness practice. But how do you take that practice a step further?
If your mindfulness practice is feeling static, there are five things you can do to go deeper. Keep reading to find out how to start improving as early as today.
Make a Regular Commitment
Practicing mindfulness changes the way your brain works by creating new neural pathways.
Commit to practicing mindfulness once a day for 30 minutes. A daily routine will help you increase the psychological benefits of your practice and carve those new neural pathways.
Practice Mindfulness Skills When You’re Not “Practicing”
A daily 30-minute meditation practice is key to the development of mindfulness, but what about when you’re not meditating?
Practice mindfulness throughout your day when you’re stressed at work or facing a situation that causes anxiety, fear or anger. Engaging in mindfulness at those time helps you deal with those situations differently over time.
Practice Positive Thinking
Those who practice positive thinking know that it changes your reality, both perceived and material.
Negative thoughts drain your energy and take away your focus, but focusing on thinking positively helps you be more attentive. In fact, scientific research shows that positive thinking can even help you see more possibilities in life. This has a direct impact on your overall happiness.
Take a Mindfulness Training Course
If you’re committed to self-improvement, there are courses that teach mindfulness and can help you further your practice.
The Sanskrit term Satsang is often used in yoga and describes ‘right association’. It’s the idea that there is power in a group of like-minded people who recognize the importance of spiritual dialogue.
Taking a mindfulness course puts you in the company of individuals who can help advance your practice. Not to mention the value that can be found in training with gurus who have a lot of knowledge to pass on.
Notice the Little Things
Sometimes, it’s the little items that make all the difference in your practice:
- Sit comfortably: You don’t need to sit in the traditional mudra to achieve mindfulness. In fact, sitting in a position that isn’t comfortable for your body can distract you from your practice.
- Prepare for your practice: Create a routine that prepares your mind for your practice. Use breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, burn sage and chant mantras.
- Check your diet: Different foods have different effects on your body and mind. Reinforce your mindfulness practice with what you eat. This can have a big impact on your practice.
More Self-Improvement Tips
Mindfulness skills are a great place to start improving your life. For other tips on self-improvement methods that make your life better, visit our blog.