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Frame Of Mind
One Good Thing: why you should start your day with a mindful meditation practice
By Ellen Scott
2 years ago
2 min read
Welcome back to One Good Thing, Stylist’s Sunday series that asks experts in mental health for the one good thing we can all do to boost our wellbeing.
Hi, Elena! If you could recommend One Good Thing everyone can do to improve their mental health, what would it be?
Committing to a daily mindfulness meditation practice – meditating in the morning (even for just 10 minutes).
Why is this your One Good Thing?
Committing to a daily mindfulness meditation practice every morning can help you set an intention for your day. We all have good and bad days. And so, starting your day with a short mindfulness exercise helps provide you with a sense of your emotional state so that you can create a day that is aligned with how you’re feeling.
How do we do it?
Take these steps:
- Find a quiet place, somewhere you know you won’t be disturbed. Try to make it at the same time every day so it becomes part of your routine.
- Set a time limit (just 10 minutes has been shown to have benefits). The app Insight Timer has a good timer for this.
- Start by bringing your attention to your breathing, each breath in and each breath out.
- Next, carry out a body scan, and notice where you’re holding any tension. Breathe into those places.
- Notice when your mind has wandered (remember: it’s completely normal for the mind to wander – that’s just what minds like to do!) and then gently guide it back to what you’re doing.
- Spend some time connected to your breath and your body, and when you are ready, open your eyes.
Credit: Getty; Stylist
What benefits could we see from doing this?
A regular meditation practice has been linked to lots of different benefits. Not only can it reduce stress and anxiety, but it can also improve your sleep and enhance your mood. But more than this, it also helps build self-awareness. A deep understanding of ourselves is key to growth and self-development.
Are there any common pitfalls of mindful meditation? If so, how can we avoid them?
The belief that meditation is about clearing your thoughts. In reality, it’s about becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings, and observing them without judgment.
How has doing your One Good Thing changed your life?
My morning mindfulness practice helps me set an intention for the day ahead. Starting my day in this way helps give me a sense of how I’m feeling so that I can align my day with that.
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.
Image: Getty; Stylist
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