This time around we’re chatting with Terrence the Teacher, creator of The Brain Edit. 

If you could recommend One Good Thing everyone can do to improve their mental health, what would it be?

One good thing people can do daily for their mental health is create a daily practice of doing mindful meditation.

Why is this your One Good Thing?

Almost 10 years ago, I suffered two cardiac arrests. My heart stopped for 20 minutes. During my recovery, I realised that my life had to change. I found mindfulness meditation and I unequivocally believe it saved my life. I am stronger physically and mentally than I have ever been. Now I have to share this powerful practice with the world.

Wow. How does mindful meditation work to improve your wellbeing?

Through mindfulness meditation, you directly affect the way your brain works, for the better. You create a totally new relationship with your thoughts and your day-to-day experiences. Your life might not necessarily change but how you perceive it will. You will start becoming less reactivate and more responsive, a healthier way to deal with day-to-day situations. 

The physical relaxation that is also a side effect of meditation is very beneficial for people. Through a quick breath meditation, you could calm down the parasympathetic nervous system within a few minutes. A calmer body obviously creates a calmer mind.

Interesting. Sell us on the benefits of daily mindful meditation. 

Science has shown that a daily practice of mindfulness meditation creates so many positive physiological and mental changes in individuals, including:

• Stress and anxiety reduction
• Lowering blood pressure and heart rate
• Increased creativity and memory
• Enhanced immune function (so fewer sick days)
• Creates more awareness of self and the present moment-to-moment life experiences 

Are there any common pitfalls people fall foul of when they try to meditate? How can we avoid them?

People think they should do it for long periods of time a day: Not so. Start short but start. Create the habit of meditation. The benefits are in doing it regularly. Longer meditations can be added as you feel ready.

People say they can’t silence their mind: that’s so normal. The mind is a wandering mind. Forget about silencing it. Rather focus on creating a more relaxed relationship with your thoughts in meditation. Before you know it, wonderful gaps will start appearing in your thoughts and you will just feel the peace and calm you have been looking for.

People think we have to do it at a certain time: Again, not necessarily important. The practice has to fit into your lifestyle. Do it when you get the most benefit out of it personally.

Lastly, people assume that we have to sit in a certain position: I would challenge that and say, again, let it fit in with your own preference. I know of people that sit, lie down and even walk when meditating. The benefits are still powerful.

How do you personally do your One Good Thing?

I have a beautiful relaxing chair that is my meditation safe place. My goal is to get in at least one meditation a day but it is always at different times. On average I try for 20 minutes a day but that varies. It could be shorter and even longer sometimes. It is like resetting myself once a day. I just let the moment dictate.

And how has doing this changed your life?

Mindfulness meditation has affected my physical health and mental wellbeing. I have managed to reduce my blood pressure without medication, have a resting heart rate of about 50bpm and my general health has just improved. One comment I often get is I now look 10 years younger. Not a benefit I would have thought of.

Mentally, I deal with my life so much better. The mindful principle of non-judgment and acceptance of things as they are without getting pulled into the story has been so liberating. I feel I can cope with things so much better and also connect with people in a more authentic way. It wasn’t always the case. Mindfulness meditation has definitely changed my life for the better.

Frame Of Mind is Stylist’s home for all things mental health and the mind. From expert advice on the small changes you can make to improve your wellbeing to first-person essays and features on topics ranging from autism to antidepressants, we’ll be exploring mental health in all its forms. You can check out the series home page to get started.

Main image: Getty