6 Ways to Practice Mindfulness

Jul 29, 2020 | Wellness & Safety

Written by Savannah Riese, Corporate Content Writer, Branding & Creative Services

According to Psychology Today, mindfulness is “the self-regulation of attention with an attitude of curiosity, openness, and acceptance.” 

If that sounds vague, it’s because mindfulness doesn’t have just one definition—the same way it doesn’t have just one correct form of practice. The practice of mindfulness that many people discuss today is the result of an evolution of practices from Hinduism and Buddhism to yoga to non-religious meditation. People have been practicing mindfulness for thousands of years.

Mindfulness has been proven to reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD; improve sleeping habits and mood, reduce memory loss, and so much more. 

You can practice mindfulness through: 

1. Meditation
You can try meditating on your own or by using the assistance of an app or YouTube video. My personal favorite is the free app Simple Habit. Goodful also has a YouTube playlist with short guided meditation videos.
2. Journaling
Journaling is what you make of it. You can find some mindfulness journal prompts online, write down a few things you are grateful for each day, or just sit down to write about how you’re feeling. Taking as little as three minutes each day to journal can be a great way to integrate mindfulness into your life.
3. Yoga
Yoga is what many people think of when it comes to practicing mindfulness. There are a lot of great YouTube instructors out there with free videos for you to follow. One of my favorites is Yoga with Adriene. Visit the Drive for Dot YouTube channel for some yoga videos created by Ryan Craig, one of Dot’s occupational health trainers.
4. Walking
Taking a walk is a perfect way to practice mindfulness. Take that time to focus on all of your senses. Start with noticing the feeling of your breathing. Then shift to noticing what sounds are around you. Once you have taken in the sounds, notice any smells. Finally, shift to what you see. Now, keep this open awareness with you as you continue your walk. Finish by noticing your feet touching the ground and the other movements your body makes when walking.
5. Exercise
You can also practice mindfulness when working out. Whether you are weight training, running, dancing, or anything in between, be aware of how your body is feeling and notice the sensation in certain parts of your body that are working the hardest.
6. Driving
Last, but not least, you can practice mindfulness while driving. Notice what is in front of you on the road and how your body feels while you drive. Take a deep breath whenever you are at a stoplight, stop sign, or stuck in traffic. Take this time to feel peace and bring awareness to your mood.