Mindfulness And Mental Health
Written by: Karen Burke, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the US, and since the womxn I support are healing from a past of addictive behaviors, mental health is near and dear to me.
Studies show that many of those who are living with addiction also deal with mental health challenges. In fact, a lot of people start using it in order to cope with these challenges. From abusive childhoods to traumatic events experienced as adults, they need to dissociate from these painful experiences often leads to addiction.
While it is not by any means a substitute for support from a medical professional, mindfulness is a powerful tool to support the journey of those on a journey to sobriety. I attribute a majority of my recovery to my yoga and mindfulness practice, and today I want to share some of that experience with you, with the hope that it may help you or someone you love.
Studies show that mindfulness can reduce stress and anxiety. By being more aware of our thoughts, sensations in our bodies, and the patterns in our lives, we can be aware of situations that may trigger stress or anxiety. It can also support us with managing anxiety and stress at the moment and help keep us from spiraling.
Mindfulness also shows promise in studies on emotional regulation and can help us create a more balanced state in our daily lives. Less frequent highs and lows in our emotional states allow us to create space in our lives for the things that bring us peace and help us reduce exposure to things that take away our peace.
Evidence suggests that mindfulness can boost creativity and attentiveness as well. Being able to engage in hobbies and other activities that give us something to do also aids in building our confidence. Whether it be reading, knitting, or hiking, having an outlet for our energy, especially one that requires our focus (i.e. mindful awareness) can help us feel accomplished and engaged.
There are, of course, many more benefits of mindfulness practice that support our mental health and wellbeing. If you aren’t already incorporating mindfulness into your daily life, give it a try. One of the simplest practices is breathwork, and you don’t even need to do anything fancy.
Simply find a place to sit where you feel comfortable and safe, and close your eyes if it feels ok to do so. If closing your eyes isn’t for you today, you can look down toward the floor. Now, all I want you to do is notice your breath. Notice your inhales and your exhales. Set a timer for 2-3 minutes, and if your mind wanders, just bring it back to your breath when your notice.
No judgment, no labels, Just try again.
It’s about practice, not perfect.
Karen Burke, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Karen is a Life Coach, Empowered Recovery Coach, and Yoga Instructor. She utilizes the teachings of yoga and mindfulness to help her clients move from striving to thriving in recovery. By guiding her clients to a deeper connection with and understanding of themselves, they learn that recovery doesn't have to be one size fits all, and that their dream life is within their reach. Her dogma-free approach shows her clients that everything they need for success is within them.
