By Ann JustiIn a world that feels increasing out of one’s control, creating circumstances people would never have imagined only a year ago, turning to mindfulness has become an increasingly valuable means by which to cope. People are using it as a mental health tool for dealing with everything from social isolation to recovery from stress. The benefits include calmness, self-control, and better mental health, which is as important as physical health and should be maintained just like your daily workout.What is Mindfulness?Mindfulness is a mental practice in which someone directs their attention to the present moment, having a nonjudgmental awareness of their immediate surroundings, thoughts and feelings. Practicing mindfulness in any situation, whether daily or occasionally, can help keep our thoughts on the “here and now.”In times of uncertainty and stress, quieting the mind helps us cope and, in turn, as we become calmer, accepting and have compassion for ourselves. We learn to be with our experiences, bad and good, rather than resisting or fighting them. This isn’t giving up; it’s being able to be present with what is happening without minimizing, catastrophizing, being in denial or feeling overwhelmed. You see what’s coming up from inside, remaining non-judgmental, staying present with what’s happening in this moment, not what might or might not happen in the future.A mindfulness practice can help us connect with awareness and let things come and go without our attention getting stuck on them. Between the emotion and the action, there’s a choice; this helps you respond rather than simply react.You can practice mindfulness anywhere; no one will notice. Control yourself through feeling your body and observing versus reacting or judging.How To Put Mindfulness Into Practice:Take a moment or two to pause during the day. Put aside whatever you are doing or thinking about and take a few…
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