Mindfulness is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days because of the increase of mental health issues. But what is it exactly?

Mindfulness is the practice of intentional awareness to the present moment. It has been proven, again and again, to hold a host of benefits for both mind and body, from reduced anxiety to improved sleep quality and heart health.

The beauty of mindfulness is, anyone can do it, and it doesn't have to be practiced on a yoga mat in lotus pose, you can do it anywhere, anytime.

It's simple placing your awareness on something like the breath whilst you're hanging clothes on the line, brushing your teeth and even on the toilet.... yep!

While you're focusing on the breath flowing in, and back out of the body, you're better able to quiet the mind and observe your thoughts, bodily sensations, and connect to the essence of who you truly are.

Mindfulness also involves acceptance, meaning that you pay attention to your thoughts and feelings without judging them. You don't have to believe every single thought you are thinking, instead you can just observe them as they are, like birds flying across the sky. You then start to realise you have a choice about which thoughts you would like to focus on. 

Thoughts are either creating a negative or positive emotional response. Start to become aware of the thoughts that make you feel like shit and stop giving them air time. You need to become disciplined in choosing your thoughts wisely, because they are creating your future!

Try journaling first thing in the morning to declutter your mind. It only has to be 5min of conscious writing, just let it flow. Once you've dumped down any stresses or worries on a bit of paper, release them and let it go. This will help you start your day with a clear and open mind. 

You are not your thoughts, nor your physical body, you are pure awareness being aware of them. 

Say you're doing the housework. Rather than being consumed by your thoughts and letting them effect your emotional body, try to focus on the breath. Deepen your inhale and really slow down the exhale, which will trigger a relaxion response. Then, focus on the task at hand using all of your senses feeling your entire physical body.

When a thought arises, just notice it, without judgement, then let it go. The more times you do this, you start to become acutely aware of negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs you may have about yourself like the; "I'm not good enough, smart enough, rich enough" type of thing.

You will notice if your mind is jumping to the future, which may cause anxiety or stress, or whether it rehashes the past, which can create a negative emotional response or even depression. 

The only moment that really exists is the present moment. All we have is right now. Bring mindfulness into every moment each and everyday using the breath as your anchor. 

You can't change the past, and you can't predict the future, so don't miss out on the preciousness of the present moment.

Loads of love, light and epic vibes,

Charlie. xo