Why Mindfulness?

March’s theme of mindfulness is one that we continue to return to every year because of the myriad of benefits that come with this practice. Although it has its roots in the Buddhist tradition of meditation, mindfulness can be seen as a form of meditation—to bring awareness to your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and environments without any judgment—that increases awareness of the mind and concentration.

But why mindfulness? Our stress levels are reaching a new high, and now more than ever we need tools to help us manage everything that life throws at us. There has been a rise in integrating mindfulness methods in both the workplace and in schools, and people are starting to connect with the practice outside of yoga studios, meditation centres, and wellness spaces and retreats.

Research on mindfulness has shown the following positive impacts on mental and physical health:
- Reducing anxiety and depression, and improving mood, mental clarity, and focus.
- Lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, and helping people self-regulate when coping with chronic pain.
- Providing support, boosting resilience and self-confidence, and decreasing feelings of burnout.
- Bringing more understanding of the self, finding your best version of you, and increasing positive feelings and actions toward others.

A mindfulness practice is completely free and easily accessible, and can be done at any time that suits your schedule. Whether you practice at home, during a walk, or taking a time-out at work or school, there are many resources that offer you ways to incorporate it into your day. Here are a few that we have provided for this month, along with some other ideas to get you started or rekindle this practice:

Oma Mindfulness Resources:

2024 Mindfulness March Calendar - free download is available HERE.
The Oma Mindfulness Area - located downstairs in our lower level. You can visit this spot anytime you come in for treatment, and set up some props, follow a meditation, browse some mindfulness books, or just take whatever time you need to settle and observe.
Mindfulness Monday Tips - follow @omachiropractic on Instagram and Facebook to get a simple tip at the beginning of each week during the month of March.

We'd love to know if you have any particular books, podcasts, or other resources that you use to help you in your mindfulness journey. Feel free to share them by tagging @omachiropractic on our social media channels to spread the knowledge to our community!