It is heard more and more, people go on vacation to practice it and it is even used to improve day-to-day work in the office. It’s about mindfulness and it’s fashionable, but what exactly does it mean? Juan Manuel Medina, director of the Sanis Natura Natural Medicines Center, explains that it is a psychological concept that means “full attention”. It consists of becoming aware of the present moment by focusing attention on one’s own thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, breathing or the environment around us (sounds, smells, temperature, etc.). That awareness in the present moment must be devoid of judgments, that is, it is about focusing attention but without judging, without interpreting, without justifying. “Just pay attention,” he adds.
What goals are pursued with the practice of mindfulness?
The goal of mindfulness is to achieve a deep state of consciousness free from judgments about our sensations, feelings or thoughts, paying attention to what is happening inside us at all times.
Mindfulness pursues total attention to the present moment; recognize our thoughts but accept them without judgment, questioning our habitual mental patterns, our habitual way of thinking. The objective is that the person can observe her thoughts with perspective, without immersing herself in their content.
When to practice mindfulness?
Anyone can practice mindfulness regardless of age or condition. It is recommended to start with short sessions of about 10 minutes to get used to the practice. If the time indicated at the beginning is exceeded, it can generate frustration for not being able to focus attention and seek evasion.
Where can we practice ‘mindfulness’?
The ideal is to practice mindfulness in a closed place, free from external noise, with a calm temperature and where you can be comfortable. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and to practice in a seated position, with a straight back and without tension.
What are the benefits of ‘mindfulness’?
This discipline can improve the perception of pain in chronic patients, resulting in greater emotional well-being. The practice of mindfulness also improves the ability to concentrate and pay attention, which results in greater efficiency when performing any task.
It is very positive to manage stress situations and improve anxiety states as it helps reduce cortisol levels (the hormone responsible for stress) in our body.
Its continued practice favors night sleep, which is why it is very positive as a treatment for insomnia. And in general, it improves our emotional intelligence, since it allows us to face our thoughts and emotions and interpret situations with perspective, without judging and without being dragged by them.
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