In the contemporary world people experience stress with virtually every step they take. These are the pressures of work, family and daily life. Thankfully, mindfulness, a practice of ancient wisdom, has proven to be a powerful tool for controlling pressure and panic in our lives of today.

Mindfulness refers to being present and attentive to the moment without criticism. By bringing our awareness to our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, we can learn to manage stress and anxiety more effectively:

• Stress Reduction - Mindfulness helps to break the cycle of constant worry and rumination. Taking the focus off the immediate environment can minimize the stress inducing mental clutter.
• Emotional Regulation - The power of mindfulness to watch our feelings without judging. It fosters in us emotionally intelligent responses to difficult situations.
• Improved Concentration - Practicing mindfulness regularly improves our ability to focus and concentrate. For instance, the latter is particularly helpful for individuals with anxiety because it minimizes distractions that worsen their condition.
• Better Coping Mechanisms - It teaches us to allow things as they are, rather as we would want them. As this acceptance takes place, it promotes better coping strategies for life’s uncertainties.
• Physical Benefits - Mindfulness is not just good for the mind, it is very good for the body as well. It can help lower blood pressure; reduce inflammation; and enhance the immune system.

Take small steps to incorporate mindfulness into your life. You can do this through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or by practicing more mindfulness on your everyday activities. As you continue to practice mindfulness, it will become a natural and effective means by which to deal with stress and anxiety. It is a practice that enables us live with more peace, and resilience in our often-chaotic world.