MOVING MEDITATION
Simple ways to slow down without sitting still
The benefits of meditation are countless, from reduced feelings of anxiety and stress, to increased compassion for yourself and others and even getting a better night’s sleep. Studies have even found that meditation can actually change the structure and function of your brain for the better.
So, yes, meditation should really be a part of your self-care routine. But if the thought of sitting still and trying to empty your mind instead fills it with racing thoughts of worry, fear not. We’ve rounded up three creative outlets so that you can practise mindfulness – the essence of meditation – while improving your mental health.
SEWING
“Research shows that craft activities like sewing release the feel-good hormone dopamine, while providing a distraction from worries, giving people a creative outlet, a sense of accomplishment and helping people feel happier,” reveals Ernest Arulkumar, managing director of Singer.
Using a sewing machine can be an incredibly mindful experience, thanks to its tactile elements and its ability to engage all your senses.
“You see the needle whiz up and down and hear the machine whirring and at the end you’ve created something beautiful you can actually wear,” says Arulkumar.
For someone who finds it difficult to switch off, the step-by-step process of sewing requires concentration and creativity, and also leads to a sense of accomplishment.
“During the process of creating your masterpiece, you enter a Zen-like state of flow and the distractions and worries of the outside world can slip away for a while,” Arulkumar says.
TIDYING
OK, it might be a chore you hate, but hear us out with this one. Sally Flower, a KonMari Method-trained organiser and founder of Home Sanctuary, explains that apart from not being particularly nice to look at, clutter can actually have a negative impact on our physical and mental health.
“The foundation of mindfulness is to be aware of the present moment, acknowledging and accepting feelings, thoughts and sensations,” explains Flower.
Rather than just moving through the motions of tidying as if we’re on autopilot, Flower says we can bring ourselves back to the present by stopping to look at an item we’re putting away, taking note of its texture, colour and feel.
“Intentionally connecting and appreciating our home is an ideal way to slow down a wandering mind,” she says. “Just by taking notice [of ] what we have in our home and giving every item an intentional place to return to after use, we are acting with intention and bringing mindfulness into our lives.”
FLOWER ARRANGING
“Allowing your mind to focus on something out of the norm does wonders for your mental health,” says Isabella Masia of Belsflora, who explains that flower arranging helps her find a sense of calm and clarity.
You don’t need to be a professional florist to enjoy the meditative joys of flower arranging, Masia says. Instead, you just need an open mind and desire to create.
“Why not head down to your local florist and try picking out a few contrasting bunches and see where the colours and textures take you?” she says.
Masia adds scents can also help by allowing you to be present in the moment.
“I work with dried lavender at times, which has its own healing properties to calm the mind,” she says.