The Many Benefits Of Mindfulness by Cindy Stradling CSL, CPC

Mindfulness is a way of being. It is a focus on what is happening in the present moment without dwelling on the past or creating anxiety over what is yet to happen in the future.

Entering a mindfulness mindset allows individuals to make significant positive changes in their mental, emotional, and physical health. They become people who are better at interpersonal communication and relationships and individuals that are seen as calming influences when things become stressed or chaotic.

To help understand the many benefits of a mindfulness mindset, let’s take a look at just a few of the ways mindfulness makes a difference. This difference is throughout all aspects of your personal and professional life. The changes can be dramatic and motivate others to practice mindfulness in their lives.

• Stress reduction – being in the moment and not worrying about what has happened in the past or the “what ifs” of the future reduces the stress reaction in the body. This reduces the production of cortisol that is associated with anxiety and stress. Lower cortisol levels allow the parasympathic nervous system to release the calming, positive hormones in the brain and regulate mood.
  

• Faster recovery after health issues – studies show that mindfulness after minor or major health issues has a positive impact on rate of healing and recovery. This may be related to decreased stress levels combined with a decrease in anxiety around future health. Living in the present where recovery is happening is a positive way to approach even serious health conditions, including recovery from cancer.
  

• Better health – people that practice mindfulness tend to be more focused on overall health. This includes making better food choices, exercising regularly, and seeing their doctor on a regular basis. Mindfulness and meditation practices also decrease blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular incidents, and help with weight loss goals.
  

• Increased focus and concentration – in both professional and personal tasks, people that practice mindfulness have a higher concentration and attention span. This leads to higher productivity with lower rates of burnout and overwhelm.
  

• Greater job satisfaction – workplaces that implement mindfulness training for management teams and staff have a higher level of reported job satisfaction, fewer sick days taken by employees, and lower levels of job-related stress.
  

Businesses of all types utilize mindfulness as in-house training programs, as part of employee wellness initiatives, and to create a more positive workplace culture and climate. Over time, and with more research, the benefits of mindfulness will continue to grow as practices become part of corporate and personal wellbeing.