Fight Depression by Reducing Stress with Mindfulness
The busyness that most of us deal with on a daily basis can make us stressed and depressed. As we run through our days, it’s not easy to stop and pay attention to our bodies and minds. Instead, our bodies and mind go into crisis mode and after a while, we start to feel depressed. The world compounds us with negativity all around us, and with
out slowing down and bringing ourselves back to what is true and meaningful, we become caught up in the mess.
How Mindfulness Works
Our brain often jumps from one idea to the next. We are 
always thinking about what is coming up or what has already happened. We don’t usually think about what is going on at the present moment, and that is what is stressful.
Being able to stop the mind from thinking of the past or the future will relieve that stress that can help you fight depression. Mindfulness can do that for you. It helps you embrace the moment.
All you have to do is find a comfortable spot to either sit or lie down. Be sure there will be no distractions.
The next step is to close your eyes. Think about how you would like to change your life for the better. In a depressed state, this might seem difficult. However, it’s possible.
Visualize what life would be like if you were happy. Feel what that’s like. Look around to see what is around you.
Sometimes, your mind may shift focus and start to give you all of the reasons why it’s not possible for you to have a better life. Allow yourself to consider it for a moment, but then let it go. Simply refocus on the moment and what you are doing – visualizing a better life.
While you are doing this, you will likely start to feel your anxiety decrease. You may notice your breath slowing down. You may feel your muscles relax. You may even feel a bit sleepy. Enjoy this moment. It’s how you are right now and that is what is important. You are at peace. You are calm. You have what you need to make positive changes.
Hold on to the feelings and thoughts you are having as you open your eyes and take a look around you. Don’t let go of that sense of relaxation and peace. Breath in deeply and exhale slowly. You are now where you need to be to do what you need to do to live a better life.
Negativity takes you down, but mindfulness brings you back up. Whenever you are feeling as though you’re headed down in the wrong direction, practice mindfulness. You will find that it will help you readjust your thoughts so you aren’t stuck in the negativity. It will help you find hope in your life, and where there is hope there is positivity.
For more help with achieving mindfulness easier and quicker, contact Smith Psychotherapy Associates, S.C. We transform challenges into solutions to help you live a happier life.
