MOCHA MINDFULNESS

- Facts -

Research from the Netherlands shows that increases in positive mood and wellbeing are directly related to becoming more aware of routine activities. It enhances the joys of daily life. - Geschwind et al. 2011

How many times does your mind wonder? Thinking about the future or past. Don’t worry we are all in the same boat. According to research done by Killingsworth et al, our minds wonder 47% of the time. And yes the primitive side of our brains is trying to protect us but sometimes it can get a little bit out of hand. In fact mind wandering is generally associated with lower levels of happiness. Even in the physio world, regularly reliving the cause of an injury can continue to cause physical pain.

What can we do to help? Well there is Mindfulness meditation, a spiritual practise evolved from Buddhism.

‍ A lot of us know that the mindfulness is good for our heads, but practising it is the difficult part. I say this because me and my finance went to a wellness festival. It was in the middle of nowhere and it was the prefect stop for meditation, yoga and a tofu wrap. We felt probably chilled and present. Fast forward two weeks and everything we learnt and practised has gone completely out the window.

And this is the problem, anyone can feel mindful if we are on the sands of Barbados. The real skill & discipline is being able to practise the technique when we have a lot on our minds and not a lot of time to recuperate. NHS and teachers you will know what i mean.

Two things that come to mind to help and this goes for myself as well. Just like revising for a school exam, you wouldn’t just go in and wing it. You would try to prepare for it. So when it comes to the test, muscle memory sets in almost. The same goes for the practise of mindfulness. The work has to be done at home to prepare for stressful times. The other idea comes from a book down in the reading list, and is the title for this resource. Its about reminding yourself through association.

- So the question is-

With coffee prices on the rise and our attentions scattered, can you sit, focus and really appreciate a cuppa?

- A small way to start -

Next time you have your favourite beverage or food item. Put all your senses to use. Really taste, smell, feel, look and listen. Pretend its the first time you have tried this product. Your mind may wonder. This is normal. Gently bring it back to the present. Don’t be critical of yourself, its meant to be a enjoyable experience. In order to the feel the benefit, Practise makes progress. Just maybe try the technique with some vegetables as well.

-Interested in learning more?

• Mindfulness. A practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world. Mark Williams and Danny Penman.

  BOOK LINK VIA AMAZON - As a Amazon Affiliate if you click this link and buy i earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

• Mindfulness - NHS https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/mindfulness/

• Mindfulness training increases momentary positive emotions and reward experience in adults vulnerable to depression: a randomised controlled trial.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21767001/ 

• A Wandering Mind Is an Unhappy Mind https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.1192439