Refresh your Mind: Five Mindfulness Activities to Boost Mental Health
By Abu Dhabi 360
By embracing mindfulness activities, we create space for stillness and self-reflection, enabling us to detach from the chaos and busyness of daily life. The impact of stress and anxiety on our well-being is significant, with 39% of UAE residents expressing concerns. However, by integrating mindfulness activities into our daily routines, we can proactively manage stress and elevate our mental well-being. Regular mindfulness practice can has also been linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, improved focus, and concentration, enhanced emotional regulation, and increased overall psychological well-being.
John Bromley, a Public Health Consultant who is working with Abu Dhabi 360, the recently launched, emirate wide wellness programme by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, says, “Incorporating mindfulness into our daily lives doesn’t require a significant time commitment. Even a few minutes dedicated to these activities can yield remarkable results. By making a conscious effort to prioritize self-care through mindfulness, we can experience a transformative shift in our mental well-being.”
In light of Mental Health Awareness month, Abu Dhabi 360, which is supported by an app that helps users set and meet wellness goals related not just to nutrition and fitness but also mental health and social connection has partnered with Mental Health UAE, an organization focused on promoting mental health awareness in the country, to provide simple steps on how to support and boost mental health.
- Practice Daily Mindful Meditation
Though most people have a general understanding about what meditation is and its health benefits, one type of meditation called mindfulness meditation remains a mystery to many. According to Latifa Bin Haider, “Mindfulness is knowing what you are experiencing while you are experiencing it. It is moment-to-moment awareness and having the quality of being in the now. There’s a sense of freedom, of perspective, of being connected.”
Incorporating mindful meditation into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your mental health, like reducing stress, improving focus and concentration, and experiencing a sense of relaxation and calmness. Regardless of where you meditate, “people who practice mindfulness meditation are generally encouraged to allow any random thoughts or feelings to come into their minds and to simply experience them fully and without judgment,” adds Latifa.
- Engage in Mindful Walking
Walking is not only a great way to stay physically active but can also be a powerful mindfulness practice. While meditation is thought to require a setting of natural beauty, mindful walking can be performed anywhere, so long as the walker remains present. If the walk is mindful, a busy thoroughfare is equal to an idyllic woodland setting.
That is the wonder of mindfulness – it does not matter where you are physically; it is where you are mentally that is important. Latifa says, “For many of us, walking is something we do when a car journey is not possible or practical. During mindful walking, our journey is less about the destination and more about bringing awareness to this everyday activity.”
Engaging in mindful walking can help clear your mind, reduce stress, and enhance your connection with the present moment. As you walk, pay attention to the sensations in your body, the sounds around you, and your surroundings.
- Cultivate Gratitude through Journaling
It might have been some time since we’ve put pen to paper and started to write — without a specific agenda — about what we’ve felt or experienced lately. In meditation, we observe thoughts and feelings as they come without judgment. Journaling can be a place to capture and reflect on those thoughts, and maybe even find a new sense of clarity about what’s on our mind.
Latifa Bin Haider says, “Focus on the small moments, experiences, or people that bring you joy and appreciation. This simple act of gratitude journaling can shift your mindset, foster positive emotions, and reduce stress by reminding you of the blessings in your life.”
- Breath your Way to a Better Mind
Engaging in mindful breathing is a simple yet effective activity that can significantly boost your mental health. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and tune into the soothing rhythm of your breath. Notice the gentle rise and fall of your chest as you inhale and exhale.
According to Latifa Bin Haider, “Incorporating mindful breathing into your daily routine, even for a few minutes, has a significant impact on mental health, managing stress, enhancing focus, and nurturing overall well-being.”
- Bring Mindfulness to the Mat
Much is known about the benefits of mindfulness and the benefits of yoga, but what happens when you combine the two together? For a sense of ease that can permeate your whole life, try practicing mindfulness meditation techniques on the mat. With Mindful Yoga, the focus is on mind-body awareness, as opposed to alignment details and the exact physical posture.
Bringing mindful awareness to any physical activity creates an alert focus to whatever you are doing in that exact moment, thereby transforming the movement into a form of meditation. The Abu Dhabi 360 app offers various yoga exercises, from calming to breathe and flow, there is no short of yoga workouts to explore and find the right one for you.
By integrating these mindfulness activities into your daily routine, you can effectively manage stress, alleviate anxiety, and enhance your overall mental well-being. Remember, even small steps towards mindfulness can yield significant long-term benefits. To support your unique journey, the Abu Dhabi 360 app provides a wealth of mental health resources and expert guidance. Prioritizing your mental health is an investment in yourself, enabling you to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.
