Mindfulness is the simple act of being engaged in the present moment, where our minds are free from any distraction or judgement. Rather than worrying about our upcoming exams or replaying a fight we had with our sibling in our heads, when we’re mindful we don’t get caught up in all these thoughts and feelings. Rather than thinking about the past or worrying about the future, we are simply here, enjoying the now. 

Check out this video to learn more about mindfulness meditation and why it’s so good for us! 

Mindfulness meditation is basically a form of training we can all do to be more mindful in everyday life. It simply involves sitting down (even for 10 minutes!) and emptying our minds to focus on the present moment. There is the common misconception that mindfulness is a temporary state that only lasts during meditation, but it is in fact a way of thinking, feeling, and living that can stay with us 24/7! 

By regularly practising mindfulness meditation, we can change our mindset and perspective, and even the shape of our brains! Yep, researchers have found that mindfulness meditation can change our brains by rewiring them towards more positive thoughts and emotions. Cool, right? In recent years, mindfulness meditation has surged in popularity for the numerous benefits it offers to our physical and mental health. 

Watch this video to understand how meditation changes your brain!

So what exactly are the benefits? 

Well, by regularly practising mindfulness meditation, we can: 

• Reduce worries, anxiety and distress
• Enjoy more energy
• Create a sense of calm
• Learn how to relax and regulate emotions
• Enhance awareness and creativity
• Improve concentration and increase productivity
• Develop a sense of empathy and connectedness
• Enjoy better health and sleep

Sounds good. So how can I practise mindfulness meditation? 

A lot of us have super busy lives, where we would give anything to just relax and ‘do nothing’ for a bit. But funnily enough, once we sit down for 10 minutes to try and actually do nothing, many of us find it to be quite difficult! It’s common for people to feel restless and find their mind wandering, especially when they’re trying out mindfulness meditation for the first time. 

This is when it can be helpful to follow a guided meditation. There are heaps of great organisations out there making apps, videos, and other resources to help you practise mindfulness meditation.

Check out Smiling Mind

Smiling Mind is a not-for-profit organisation that works to make mindfulness meditation accessible to all. They have a free app with a dedicated program for young people, which is designed to teach mindfulness meditation and be used as a tool to help manage stress, increase resilience, and improve focus. They also have a youtube channel with informative videos and guided meditations. 

Other meditation apps include Calm, Headspace, and Insight Timer, although some of these are not entirely free and require a subscription fee.

If you’re feeling stressed, under pressure, unfocused, or like your mental health is generally low, we highly recommend trying out mindfulness meditation. Why not download a mindfulness app or try following along with a video to get started? You’ll be developing a regular practice that nourishes your body and mind in no time.

How can I learn more about this whole mindfulness thing? 

If you’re interested in further reading around mindfulness, we recommend checking out the work of Zen Buddhist Master, poet, scholar, and human rights activist Thich Nhat Hanh. Here are some videos about how meditation and mindfulness can reframe your perspectives on self-respect and Buddhist meditation.