By Pat Ingelse, Assistant Vice President, PMP

Many, many studies conducted at numerous universities support the belief that practicing mindfulness gently builds our inner strength, so that future stressors have less negative impact on our health. When you learn mindfulness…

…you are better able to step back from your thoughts and not take them so literally. This keeps your stress response from being initiated immediately.

…you don’t react immediately to a situation. Instead, you naturally pause for a moment and use your “wise mind” to come up with a better reaction.

…your care and compassion for yourself and others increase. That soothes you and ameliorates your stress response.

…your focus improves. This enables you to finish your work more efficiently, gives you a better sense of well-being, and reduces your stress.

…and you are better able to adjust your attitude — to stop worrying about negative consequences, and to examine and understand the stress itself. When you see how stress can help energize you, it has a positive effect on your body and mind.

Here are a few easy ways to create a mindful moment:

• While waiting for your food to heat up in the microwave, simply scan the room you are in and pay attention to your breath as it flows in and out.
• Try mindful walking while running an errand. Pay attention to your body as you move and place your feet. Notice how each foot hits the ground. Follow your breath in and out.
• In a difficult meeting or phone call, take three slow deep breaths. No one will know you are doing it – and it won’t take any time at all. Notice how some of your stress dissipates with each breath.

Give a try!