Practicing Mindfulness, Meditation & Self Compassion can Improve Mental Health: Study

Written by Sarah Cownley
Published on

Cozy woman in knitted winter warm sweater and checkered pajama drinking hot cocoa or coffee in mug, reading book, meditation yoga on couch at home. Christmas holidays with decor and lightsCultivating mindfulness, meditation, and self-compassion can be an incredible asset in helping us to address our mental health needs. Through fostering a thriving internal environment of acceptance, self-love, and kindness, we open the door to noticing both big and small changes in how our mind operates on a daily basis. But understanding the science behind why these practices work is just as important for truly activating their potential for bettering ourselves.

Today, we’ll provide clear guidance on integrating mindfulness, meditation & self-compassion into your life, so you can experience firsthand their powerful effects on your overall mental well-being.

Meditation is one of the most effective ways to cultivate self-compassion and mindfulness. Mindfulness simply means paying attention to the present moment without judgment and with an attitude of curiosity. By focusing on the present, we can better understand our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, ultimately leading to a greater sense of well-being.

Self-compassion is a crucial aspect of our emotional and mental well-being. It entails treating ourselves with the same kindness and compassion we typically express toward our loved ones. Many people struggle with the idea of self-compassion, mistakenly believing that being self-critical or harsh during moments of suffering or failure will motivate them to excel or avoid making the same mistake again.

Research has shown that simply having a general intention to be more self-compassionate and mindful is unlikely to work. Regular meditation is vital in making a difference in mental health. Studies show that programs that have been found to make a meaningful difference involve at least seven sessions. These repeated workouts have improved attention skills and decreased negative thinking. They have also been linked to less self-criticism, lower levels of depression, anxiety, self-harm, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders.

By focusing on the present moment, thoughts that may be causing distress can be changed and observed without judgment. This newfound clarity can help us better understand ourselves and how we relate to the world around us. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health, give meditation a try. The benefits may surprise you!
Getting Started

If you’re new to meditation, getting started can seem a bit daunting, but the truth is, it’s much simpler than you might think. To begin, find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and get comfortable. Focus your attention on your breath, inhaling and exhaling deeply and slowly. If your mind begins to wander, simply acknowledge the thought and return your focus back to your breath. Try starting with just a few minutes a day and gradually increasing the duration as you feel more comfortable.

Ultimately, the goal of meditation is not to clear your mind completely but to simply alleviate stress and become more mindful of your thoughts and emotions. With practice, you’ll find that meditation can be a helpful tool for achieving a sense of peace and well-being. Many self-guided meditation recordings are available online, and many community centers also offer live classes.

Promoting Brain Function

Numerous factors can take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential. This can affect memory, concentration, and overall brain function.

The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. This unique formula helps to boost circulation, fight free radicals, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.

Advertisement

On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.

Exit mobile version