Learn about benefits of mindfulness

If you’ve heard of or read about mindfulness — a form of meditation — you might be curious about how to practice it. Find out how to do mindfulness exercises and how they might benefit you. What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the act of being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling at every moment — without interpretation or judgment.

Spending too much time planning, problem-solving, daydreaming or thinking negative or random thoughts can be draining. It can also make you more likely to experience stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression.

Practicing mindfulness exercises can have many possible benefits, including:

• Reduced stress, anxiety and depression

• Less negative thinking and distraction

• Improved mood There are many ways to practice mindfulness. For example:

Focus on your breathing. Sit in a quiet place with your back straight but relaxed. Feel your breath move in and out of your body. Let your awareness of everything else fall away. Pay attention to your nostrils as air passes in and out. Notice the way your ab- domen expands and collapses with each breath. When your mind wanders, gently redirect your attention to your breath. Don’t judge yourself. Remember that you’re not trying to become anything — such as a good meditator. You’re simply becoming aware of what’s happening around you, breath by breath.

Aim to practice mindfulness every day for about six months. Over time, you might find mindfulness becomes ef- fortless. Think of it as a com- mitment to reconnecting with and nurturing yourself.