How Does Mindfulness Work?

How Does Mindfulness Work?

How does mindfulness work? Why should I use it? Does it really help? If youre new to the mindfulness community, these may be some of the questions flying through your head. After all, theres no science behind it right? Believe it or not, there is! Mindfulness has been researched by many people, from someone conducting an investigation from their bedroom all the way to Harvard researchers. Here are a few benefits from mindfulness that may help you ease your worries

-How Long Has Mindfulness Been Around?

Mindfulness is a big factor in many religions. Even if you dont believe in organized religion, chances are youve practiced mindfulness before, without even realizing it. The first known roots of mindfulness seem to be in Hinduism (one of the oldest religions in the world) and Buddhism.To put it on other words, mindfulness has been around for thousands of years. There has to be a reason why its so popular right?

-How Do You Know It Works?

Theres tons of research about mindfulness on the Internet, here are some studies summarized. Neuroscientists have been studying mindfulness for around 20 years now, and have found mindfulness actually creates new pathways in our brain. Scientists, with the help of fMRIs, have seen people who practice mindfulness activate new regions in the brains function and structure. Some areas affected are the insula (controls compassion, awareness, and empathy, the putamen (learning), some parts of the anterior cingulate cortex (help regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and autonomic functions), and the prefrontal cortex (helps with skills such as planning, decision making, and social behaviour). This doesnt mean itll work in a day, the pathways in our brains take years to be created fully, it only makes sense that it would take just as long, if not longer, for mindfulness to fully work. It does work in smaller scales too, some effects after a mindfulness exercise can include being calmer, happier, more relaxed, and at peace, just to name a few.

-Who All Uses Mindfulness?

Anybody can! Mindfulness can help with ptsd, anxiety, depression, substance abuse,eating disorders, and ocd, but that doesnt mean thats the only thing it helps with! It also treats heart disease, lowers blood pressure, reduces chronic pain, and improved sleep.

-How Can I Start Mindfulness Today?

For one, you can join our mindfulness subcom here on 7 cups! Some popular mindfulness techniques can be meditation, noticing thoughts and letting them pass, urge surfing, exercising, breathing exercises, and just spending time with your loved ones!

Some questions Id like to leave you with

-Have you used mindfulness before?

-If so, what techniques?

-Whats one way you can be mindful today?

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