Do you spend a lot of your time problem solving, daydreaming or overthinking? Perhaps you regularly experience negative or random thoughts? Or maybe you’re stressed about exams or meeting assignment deadlines?
Practicing mindfulness can help you to direct your attention away from this kind of thinking and, instead, focus on the here and now.
Most people have heard of or read about mindfulness meditation, and are aware of the benefits it can bring. However, not many know how to implement it into their daily routine.
Here we take a closer look at what it involves and what Caro students can do to be more mindful while staying at student accommodation in Liverpool.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a type of meditation that allows you to focus your thoughts and feelings in the moment, with no interpretation or judgment.
Studies suggest that taking time to meditate can effectively improve conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain and hypertension (high blood pressure). It’s also believed to help fibromyalgia and asthma sufferers.
There are several ways to practice mindfulness, including breathing exercises and guided imagery, that help to ease the body and mind, which we’ll look at in more detail below.
How to be more mindful
#1 Find local yoga studios
Mindfulness is a form of meditation that brings your attention to the present moment, where you are and what you’re doing. Yoga, on the other hand, is a spiritual science that many people practice to maintain their physical health and fitness, as well as their overall well-being.
Though they are two very different exercises, yoga and mindfulness go hand in hand – easing the mind and teaching you to tune into your breathing whilst paying close attention to how your body feels.
Combining mindfulness with yoga classes will help you to sleep better too. And the good news is, there are several yoga studies dotted around the city centre, including Liverpool Yoga Studios in The Focus Building on Great Crosshall Street and Eleven Eleven Yoga Studio on Cook Street.
#2 Practice breathing exercises
Whenever you have negative thoughts, try and focus on your breathing. Sitting down, taking a big deep breath, closing your eyes and counting to ten, can all help.
You’ll find plenty of breathing methods online and on health and fitness apps, including (but not limited to) Fitbit. These include guided exercises that allow you to relax your mind and ease your woes.
In addition to these simple techniques, you may also consider doing structured mindfulness exercises, such as body scan meditation. This is where you lie on your back, with your arms and legs at your side and your palms facing upwards, and focus your attention on each part of the body – starting from your head and working your way down to your toes.
Sitting meditation is another method that’s easy to fit into your hectic schedule. All you need to do is make sure you’re sitting comfortably with your back straight and feet flat on the floor. Allow your hands to fall naturally upon your lap. Then, breathing in through the nose, concentrate on the movement of your breath.
Walking is not only good for your health but good for your mind too. Whether you choose to listen to mindfulness podcasts, music or your friends on the move, make sure you’re aware of your breathing.
#3 Give yourself time to relax
After spending the day revising for an exam, it’s important to reward yourself. You could watch a movie, have a pamper, treat yourself to a takeaway or get an early night – anything to take your mind off your studies.
Our student accommodation in Liverpool is equipped with everything you need to feel right at home.
Although you could visit your local gym and join in with fitness classes, you can easily roll out your yoga mat and follow online tutorials in your bedroom. On top of this, there’s ample space to practice meditation in the morning before uni, to set you up for the day ahead. And when it’s time to hit the hay, you can be sure you’ll get a blissful night’s sleep at our student accommodation – all our rooms come with a large, comfy bed.
To find out more about our accommodation, or to arrange a viewing, call 0151 318 4743.
