How Mindfulness Helped Me With My Mental Health (Jennifer)

I’ve struggled with various types of anxiety, depression, and recently PTSD. But it wasn’t until recently that I found a new way of looking at these conditions and the emotions they cause.

With the suggestion from my therapist, I looked into different mindfulness meditations and I can definitely say it has helped with my mental health.

 I still have bad days. I even have very bad days. But taking a few moments to practice mindfulness really makes a difference.  

Now, I don’t claim to be a mindfulness expert, but here are some key things I’ve learned from mindfulness.

•  Something as simple as breathing can make all the difference. 

 Mindful breathing really helps me to center my self and focus on the present. By mindful breathing, I mean really focusing on each breath I take. I focus on how each breath feels in my nose, my chest, and my stomach. I feel the way the air enters my nose and how my body relaxes as I exhale. 

•  Emotions are not something you need to push away

Mindfulness has taught me that I don’t need to push my emotions a way. Not even the negative ones. Instead, I’ve learned to check in on my body and my emotions. I often repeat to myself, “There is anxiety present in my body. It is here and it will pass when it’s ready.” In other words, I don’t think of my emotions as something that I need to change. I know it’s okay to have these emotions at times. My emotions are valid and it’s okay to feel them.

• Taking time for myself is so important

Often are lives are very busy. But making time for ourselves and for self care is so important. That’s why, I try really hard to find time to practice mindfulness. Even if it’s only a few minutes at a time. That little bit of mindfulness self care can make a great difference. And this isn’t something that you only need to practice when you are feeling difficult emotions. Mindfulness is something that can be practiced any time. And the more you practice it, the more naturally it comes.

•  Mindfulness isn’t a cure for mental illness, but it has helped me cope with the many difficult emotions I often face. 

 If you are looking to learn more about mindfulness, there are several apps, websites, and podcasts you can look up. A therapist can also help recommend and point you to some reliable mindfulness resources. 

And remember there’s no perfect way to practice mindfulness. Infact, you will most probably get distracted as you practice it. But that’s perfectly okay. Mindfulness teaches you to be compassionate and kind to yourself. So, don’t feel like there is only one perfect way to do it. Taking the time to care for yourself and your mental health is what matters m'ost. 

There are several mindfulness meditations out there. Look for the ones that really speak to you and your experiences.