How to Use Mindfulness, Meditation, and Movement to Create a More Positive Outlook on Life

Mindfulness, meditation and movement are three key words that can help you to create a more positive outlook on life.

Even though depression and anxiety are conditions on their own, many things in your life can affect how these conditions impact your existence. Awareness, thoughtfulness and the right amount of exercise can better your daily life.

It's not another attempt at a self-help book ad, but something that physically activates endorphins and dopamine – the brain's happy chemicals.

Here's what mindfulness, meditation and movement does to the body (and could mean for the mind).

Mindfulness, Meditation and Movement

About Mindfulness

Mindfulness is simple awareness.

Awareness of your surroundings, awareness of your stress levels – and awareness of when to act versus when to take things easy. It can also encompass kindness, calmness and control over your own emotions.

Psychology and clinical therapy teaches various coping or grounding techniques for patients who feel depressed or anxious. Count to something, focus on something else; mindfulness brings you back to the present time.

More About Meditation

Meditation removes distraction and quiets the mind.

When people appear to be “in the zone” doing something they're good at or enjoy, it's just another form of meditation. Meditation is a form of focus that chooses a single, calm focal point to concentrate upon for however long you need to.

The ability to meditate doesn't always require the lotus pose, but can be as simple as putting on feel-good music and cutting out everything else from the mind.

Movement and Moving Forward

The science of movement is closely connected to the brain. Exercise and movement trigger responses in the brain, and stimulates the release of endorphins and dopamine.

There are many ways to move and feel better.

It depends on your fitness level, and what you can fit into your day.

Running, walking and yoga are just three examples of a way to activate your body's natural antidepressants.

Tips for a More Positive Outlook

Affirmations and Goals

Depression can never benefit from boredom. An active mind is less likely to develop degenerative conditions of the brain later in life, and staying mentally busy reduces how hard depression could hit on a rough day.

Affirmations have a point, and sets your mental purpose out for the day. Goals set out long-term purposes that you'd like to achieve, and ensures that you have something to work towards.

Meditation and Its Benefits

Meditation has a lot of physical and mental benefits.

Regular meditation can improve circulation, and supports the heart. Meditation also promotes clearer thought, and can help to get rid of residual stress that many people begin or end their days with.

Meditation, the same as exercise, also triggers important chemicals in the brain that you can't go without.

Movement and Endorphins

Movement has more than just physical benefits.

More than for activating the blood flow and muscles, movement and exercise can also activate the brain's happy responses. It doesn't have to be heavy exercise to do this, just the act of simple movement.

Conclusion: Mindfulness, Meditation and Movement in Practice

Mindfulness, meditation and movement can change your mental and physical health for the better.

← Previous Post