Can Staying in the Moment Improve Your Health?
Many of us spend too much time planning, problem-solving, or worrying about things we can’t control. Especially now that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the world we live in. These thought patterns can drain you of energy and may actually increase your chances of experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression. Mindfulness exercises can help you steer away from this type of thinking to focus on the present and accept it without judgment.
Four ways to practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a type of meditation that helps you focus on what you are feeling in the moment. There are many simple techniques you can use to improve mindfulness in your everyday life:
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Notice the world around you
During this difficult time, it can be challenging to take the time to appreciate your senses. But focusing on how things look, taste, or feel can help you stay present.
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Find joy in simple things
Finding pleasure in simple things can truly improve your happiness. Stay in the moment, and try to bring an open mind and focus to everything you do.
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Be good to yourself
We are often most judgmental of ourselves. Give yourself permission to treat yourself with the same consideration you give others.
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Breathe
If you feel stressed or anxious, take a minute to breathe deeply. Focus your attention on your breathing to calm and reset your mind.
Health benefits of mindfulness
Not only can mindfulness help you feel more calm and in tune with your surroundings, but there are health benefits as well.
- Well being—Improving mindfulness techniques can make it easier to enjoy the small moments and simple pleasures of life, engage in activities, and reduce worry over the future or past.
- Physical health—Practicing mindfulness can help relieve stress, improve sleep, and may be able to lower blood pressure and help with chronic pain.
- Mental health—Mindfulness techniques can help treat depression, anxiety, and substance abuse issues.
How Your Plan Helps
You can practice mindfulness anytime and anywhere. In addition, using your Preferred Extras for these activities can help you reduce stress and increase mindfulness:
Learn to meditate
Meditation is a simple and effective way to calm your mind, relax your body, and improve your outlook and concentration. Meditation 101 is designed for those who are new to meditation and consists of 10 short audio lessons that provide you with everything you need to know to begin meditating.
Visit app.wellable.co/meditation101 and enter code “TMP” to begin.
Practice yoga in your home
Access live, online yoga and meditation classes led by an instructor from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Sign up for Ompractice for $14.99/month (a 40% discount off the monthly plan) or $129.00 for an annual subscription (30% off the regular subscription rate). For details, visit ompractice.com/thpmp.
Save on a mindfulness program
Mindfulness and meditation can help you achieve greater energy and enthusiasm. Get 15% off the cost of tuition to attend the 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction or Cognitive Therapy program at the UMass Medical School’s Center for Mindfulness in Worcester, MA.
For more information, call the Center for Mindfulness at 1-774-442-4681.
Restrictions may apply. Get complete details on Preferred Extras discounts.
Discounts and services included in the Preferred Extras program are not plan benefits and are not subject to the Medicare appeals process.
