How mindfulness can help you cope with stress and how to do it

Post by Kayden Seah Chung Hian (10 August 2020)

What is Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present, to be aware of what we are doing, and not excessively reactive or overwhelmed by what is happening.

Mindfulness is something that every one of us already possesses. It is not something we have to develop, but to learn how to access it. It involves taking time to pay attention to what is going on around us.

(Adapted from Foundation For A Mindful Society)

How does it help you cope with your stress and How to do it

Mindfulness mainly impacts our brain, the most crucial part of our body. Here are five ways on how mindfulness would help you to cope with your stress:-

1. You can switch your attitude towards the stress

• Instead of seeing and thinking of the negative consequences of feeling stressed, mindfulness allows you to think in a different perspective about the stress. As the stress level increases, it no longer makes you more stressed - and instead it energizes you and therefore has a positive impact on your body and mind.

2. You are more aware of the emotions of others

• You are more mindful of your words (and actions) and would be less likely to get into any conflict.

3. You are better able to focus

• You would be able to finish and complete your work more efficiently, and would have a better well-being. This would reduce your stress level.

4. You are more sensitive to the needs of your body

• You may notice pains in your body earlier and take the appropriate action to prevent dire consequences.

5. You don't immediately react to a situation

• You would have a moment to pause and then think of the most appropriate/best solution. Mindfulness helps you with this when you do mindful exercises.

(Adapted from Foundation For A Mindful Society)

Alright, as above are five ways on how mindfulness helps with coping with your stress. Now, let me share with you on how to do mindfulness. Here are some steps that you can follow:-

1. Settle in
   Find a quiet space. Using a cushion or chair, sit up straight but not stiff; allow your head and shoulders to rest comfortably; place your hands on the tops of your legs with upper arms at your side.

2. Now breathe
   Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and relax. Feel the fall and rise of your chest and the expansion and contraction of your belly. With each breath notice the coolness as it enters and the warmth as it exits. Don't control the breath but follow its natural flow.

3. Stay focused
   Thoughts will try to pull your attention away from the breath. Notice them, but don't pass judgment. Gently return your focus to your breath. Some people count their breaths as a way to stay focused.

4. Repeat (You may do this exercise 10-15 minutes a day)

(Adapted from The Harvard Gazette)

Conclusion

As above are some tips on mindfulness, we hope that you can cope with your stress with this. It is perfectly fine if you are feeling very stressed before reading this blog. To know more about the other sources of stress, stay tuned and remember to visit our website regularly for more updates! :)