Mindfulness: Living in the Present

By: Maria Koutsothanasis

Oftentimes it is easy to feel disconnected or distracted by living in the present. With work, school, or other obligations, it is easy to lose sight of the present time. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future causes increased feelings of stress and depression. Mindfulness can help refocus on the present events to create a calmer and more focused life.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully focused on the present moment. By observing your thoughts and emotions, and removing judgment, mindfulness allows you to stay present and create a deeper connection and understanding of yourself.

Mindfulness decreases stress and promotes overall emotional well-being and balance.

1. Reduces stress and anxiety:

Mindfulness calms the mind and body by shifting attention away from thoughts that increase stress. Mindfulness interventions such as meditation can lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and help people manage anxiety better.

2. Boosts mental health:

Mindfulness reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It promotes a greater sense of resilience and breaks a cycle of negativity. Through mindfulness, you can manage stress and have control over your mental well-being.

3. Improves physical health:

Mindfulness is not only good for the mind but also the body. Regular mindfulness practices have been linked to lower blood pressure, improved sleep, and an overall stronger immune system.

How to Practice Mindfulness

1. Mindful Breathing:

Spending a few minutes a day focusing on your breath calms your mind and helps reduce mental clutter. If you begin to feel anxious, focusing on breathing can reduce these feelings.

2. Engage in Gratitude:

Reflecting on things in your life that you are grateful for is a way to shift the perspective of your life in a positive way.

3. Being present:

Training your mind to stay present on the tasks that you currently engage in is a way to increase focus, reduce stress, and improve overall satisfaction in life.

Mindfulness does not require major life changes. It is about being fully present in the moments that make up your day. Incorporating these small changes in your life can lead to reduced stress, improved emotional resilience, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. The small shifts can transform how you experience the world around you and how you feel internally.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, June 18). Mindfulness for your health. National Institutes of Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/06/mindfulness-your-health

Matthews, K. (2023, June 29). Health benefits of mindfulness: 1stCallHEALTH: Primary care providers. 1stCallHEALTH. https://1stcallhealth.com/health-benefits-of-mindfulness/