Mindfulness can seem like an abstract term, but it is a practice anyone can engage in to feel better. At times, it is easy to get caught up in the chaos of daily life, which can increase anxiety. Learning to practice mindfulness techniques can decrease anxiety and stress. What’s more, mindfulness practices can help you stay in the present moment and allow you to maintain your peace in all situations.
This blog post will dive into how mindfulness can keep you grounded and centered during chaotic times in your life. Then we will explore several techniques you can use to stay grounded. In addition, we will discuss how The Guest House provides mindfulness therapy on its state-of-the-art campus.
How Do I Practice Mindfulness?
You may have heard the term mindfulness and struggled to understand its meaning. It can be difficult to practice mindfulness, especially when you do not fully understand it. However, mindfulness is simply about being in the moment. For instance, suppose you are standing at a shore watching the sunset with an array of colors. You are taking it all in and feeling a sense of gratitude. Perhaps you start to feel emotions or maybe you even tear up. In that scenario, you have experienced mindfulness. You were embracing all that the moment had to offer; that is being engaged in the practice of mindfulness.
According to an editorial published in the journal Substance Abuse, mindfulness “encourages awareness and acceptance of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations as they arise, and recognition of their impermanence.” You do not need any special tools to practice mindfulness. All you need is to be aware of your surroundings and how they affect you. Mindfulness can be a way to transform how you view events and the world around you. It is experiencing the moments for all that they are and leaning into a different perspective.
Grounding to Cope With Chaos
You may have heard of the word grounding and may be wondering how it relates to mindfulness. Grounding, also called earthing, is a technique that electrically connects you to the earth beneath your feet. An article published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health reports that this grounding connection transfers energy from the earth to your body through electrons.
Grounding can help keep you focused when there is chaos in your life. It is easy to get caught up in anxiety and feel stress about things you have no control over. Learning how to practice mindfulness through grounding can decrease any form of chaos in your life.
As mentioned above, these are simple techniques that you can utilize without any extra tools. All you need is awareness and the desire to change your life.
How to Practice Mindfulness to Decrease Anxiety
The practice of mindfulness stops your brain from pursuing unhelpful thought processes and grounds you back into the present moment. Without mindfulness, the brain can spiral out of control with fearful thoughts. When that happens, anxiety can increase and mood tends to decrease.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness. However, you have to experiment with what works for you. The following are just a few ways to get you started:
- Go for a walk in nature
- Observe how you are breathing
- Take five-minute breaks throughout the day
- Start a journal
- Practice gratitude
- Check in with your anxiety
- Don’t take on too many things at once
Understanding how to practice mindfulness and what works for you will eventually lead to a calmer version of yourself. Additionally, your anxiety during times of chaos will decrease. If you find yourself stuck, you may need additional support through an individual therapist. A professional therapist can guide you to a more peaceful version of yourself and help you cultivate more awareness. Sometimes all you need is just a bit of guidance to be the best version of you.
How Can The Guest House Support Me in Chaos?
There are many opportunities at The Guest House to practice mindfulness. For example, we offer yoga and meditation to create a connection between yourself and your surroundings. No matter what is going on in your life, you can take several minutes each day to calm your mind and decrease anxiety. Yoga therapy teaches you to connect with yourself through breath and gentle movements.
Another way to practice mindfulness at The Guest House is adventure therapy. This is a structured form of outdoor activity that helps you exercise your muscles while connecting to your surroundings. At The Guest House, we help you cultivate a mindful connection as soon as you arrive. We will guide you to connect through grounding and learning to practice mindfulness no matter what is going on around you or within you. You do not have to do this alone. We are always here to guide you to become your best self.
Learning how to engage in something new can be difficult and frustrating. At The Guest House, we understand that recovery is a journey, not a destination. Sometimes it can be easy to get caught up in thoughts of the past and the unknown aspects of the future. Practicing mindfulness can help you stay grounded in the present moment and decrease anxiety. At The Guest House, we will strive to understand you and meet you right where you are at in your journey. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or just needs a helping hand, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (855) 483-7800. We are here to help.