Are you wondering about the benefits of mindfulness? Or maybe you need some inspiration on how to incorporate mindfulness into your day? Keep reading! 

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness means paying attention to the thoughts and feelings you’re experiencing, without judging them or trying to interpret them. It’s a way to focus on what’s going on in your head while maintaining a neutral perspective and not acting on your thoughts. It’s just about sitting with your thoughts. It’s not about clearing your mind. Mindfulness is letting your mind do its thing while you watch. 

What are the Benefits of Mindfulness?

There are numerous benefits of mindfulness, and everyone’s experience will look a little different. Mayo Clinic shared some of the most common benefits of mindfulness. According to Mayo Clinic, practicing mindfulness can help relieve: 

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Pain
• Depression
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure (hypertension)

How to Practice Mindfulness 

Reducing stress and relaxing the body will help you practice mindfulness. It also helps to come to the practice with an open mind and a lot of self-compassion. We have a lot of thoughts, that’s okay! 

While mindfulness is certainly not easy, it can become more natural over time with practice. And there are some small steps you can do to encourage your mind and body towards a helpful mindfulness experience. 

Here are a few ideas to get yourself into a more mindful state: 

• Remove distractions, especially phones! Step away from screens and turn on Do Not Disturb mode. 
• Try to find a quiet place 
• Listen to calming music or nature sounds 
• Go for a walk outside – pay attention to sights, sounds, smells, air temperature 
• Drink a soothing, caffeine-free tea 
• Take a warm bath or treat yourself to a spa moment 
• Meditate – you can even try a guided meditation on YouTube or an app such as Headspace 
• Do a yoga video in a quiet place 
• Cuddle with a pet 
• Eat one of your favorite foods slowly, taking time to experience all of your senses: smell, taste, texture, etc. 
• Repot a houseplant or get out in the garden 
• Do something manual that you don’t have to think about – like a coloring book or chopping vegetables 
• Try aromatherapy with essential oils that promote mindfulness. You can do this with a diffuser, or by adding essential oils to a bath or shower, or through an aromatherapy massage. Even just opening a bottle of mindfulness-promoting essential oil and breathing it in can help you enjoy the benefits of mindfulness. 

What Essential Oils Can Help Promote Mindfulness? 

• Rosemary – Studies have shown that rosemary can help the mind focus. Perfect for minimizing distractions during your mindfulness practice! Rosemary also helps improve memory, a nice plus when you’re starting a new habit like mindfulness. 

• Frankincense – Frankincense helps reduce stress…one of the daily struggles that make mindfulness difficult. 

• Cedarwood – Because of its compound called cedrol, cedarwood has natural sedative properties. If your body feels hyperactive or tense, cedarwood can help you be still and control your breathing. If your mind is racing, try cedarwood to slow down your thoughts and be present. 

• Lavender – Soothing for the body and mind, lavender helps you calm down and pay attention to your thoughts and feelings in a mindful way.