What is Mindfulness? Benefits for Teens and Young Adults
Mindfulness is:
Practicing paying attention to the present moment without judgment or criticism - being free of the past and the future - a practice you can do anytime of the day, anywhere, in whatever you are doing. It is a natural state for our bodies,
Being aware of where you are and what you are doing - self – awareness,
Recognizing what is happening with the mind in the moment,
Understanding, observing, noticing and witnessing your thoughts and emotions,
Taking time to respond to moments in life - short pauses in everyday life,
Discovering and connecting to self and others,
Accepting yourself, others and moments in life - accepting experiences whether they are pleasurable or painful,
Showing compassion towards yourself, others and moments in life,
A process of insight into what is happening in the mind. Through this process of insight, seeing the same moment or experience from a different perspective,
Becoming aware of habitual patterns to make positive changes to transform and grow into the best version of yourself,
Being kind to yourself in each moment in turn sharing kindness with others,
Healing yourself - it gives us an opportunity to learn more about ourselves to heal,
Showing up wherever you are and whoever you are with being fully present with the here and now.
Benefits of Mindfulness for Teens and Young Adults:
Well-being:
Improves overall well-being including physical, emotional and mental health
Assists and improves communicating with yourself and those around you
Increases self-awareness and awareness of life
Boosts resilience and provides gratitude
Physical Health:
Improves digestion
Improves sleep and breathing
Relieves stress
Emotional Health:
Emotional regulation
Creates kindness towards self and others
Brings about calm
Increases happiness
Increases empathy and compassion
Mental Health:
Releases ‘happy’ chemicals in the brain
Increases focus and attention, and helps memory
Better decision making
