You’ve probably heard of “mindfulness” — the art of living in the moment to maximize mental health and live a more productive, fulfilling life.
But do you know about mindfulness in sports?
Olympians, professional athletes, and individuals competing at the highest collegiate levels now use visualization, mindfulness, and meditation techniques as performance-enhancing tools.
So today, we’re exploring what it’s all about and how you can incorporate sport mindfulness into your life.
Mindfulness: “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment,” according to the dictionary definition.
Sounds easy enough.
But give it a try, and you’ll soon discover that mindfulness is as elusive as a gnat buzzing around your head.
The second you think you’ve got it, it slips away.
Like most other worthwhile endeavors, mindfulness takes practice before it becomes habitual.
To that end, let’s look at developing sticky, mindful habits that will enhance your well-being and improve your cognitive function.
When was the last time you caught yourself in a conversation thinking more about how you’d respond than about what the other person was saying?
Humans have to make a conscious effort to listen with a view to understanding the other’s perspective — not just trying to win an argument or make a point.
Not working out so well for either of you, though, right?
If you’re looking for a better way to communicate, try any of the 5 mindful listening exercises in this post.
Ever since “The Secret” movie and book came out, manifestations have become a buzzword.
People have been declaring intentions, mostly privately, to change their lives through positive thoughts and setting the stage for a better life.
While “The Secret” promises that you can manifest anything, manifestation journaling helps keep you on track to achieve what you want.
The best part about journaling your manifestations is your power to make it happen.
It’s not something that just happens because you thought about it.
Here’s a scientific fact: journaling benefits your body and mind.
Moreover, as part of a daily routine, journaling helps you to think better, sleep better, eat better, and prosper more.
But it’s not always easy to get started.
So below, we’re breaking down how and why keeping a spiritual journal can help you live your best life.
Then we’ll look at 75 spiritual journaling prompts for the times you need a starting spark.
Trauma. Betrayal. Loss.
Mistakes and regrets.
Your past is likely jam-packed with painful events and situations that affect who you are today.
You might have negative behaviors and thought patterns, low self-confidence, low self-esteem, and feelings of low self-worth because of them.
Perhaps you haven’t adequately grieved some of the things you’ve experienced.
You want to overcome it to live a happy, fulfilling life.
But how?
You might be surprised to learn how journaling for healing can help.
Wanting to grow personally is a beautiful thing.
But constantly striving to do more, be more, and have more can take a toll on your mind, body, and soul.
That’s why checking in with yourself is so important.
It allows you to focus on where you are and how you feel to better achieve all those other things.
Let’s review what checking in means, the benefits of doing so, how to and how often, and we’ll provide you with questions to check in with yourself.
It’s all very well to tell yourself, “I accept my thoughts and feelings without judgment.”
It sounds like you’re finally giving yourself permission to look at what you’re thinking and feeling without punishing yourself for what you see.
But how do you not identify with thoughts that are occupying your mind? Or how do you separate your true self from your feelings?
When you take a moment to think about what mindfulness is, what does “you are not your thoughts” mean?
And what steps can you take to learn your true identity?
It is common to confuse mindfulness with mind fullness, but the two are quite distinct from each other.
Mindfulness is being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the present moment.
It clears your mind of clutter and gives you relief from your habitual mental chatter.
In contrast, mind-fullness occurs when your mind is overflowing with thoughts and emotions about the past or future.
Your inner dialogue creates a state of chaos and conflict.
Here’s how these two states differ and how mindfulness can counter the adverse effects of mind fullness.
Morning journaling is excellent for the brain, and people who do it are rewarded with heightened organizational prowess, increased emotional control, and better decision-making skills.
So why is it so powerful?
Decluttering our minds upon waking boosts self-esteem and allows you to set your intentions for the day.
It also helps with reaching your goals.
To that end, let’s look at how to start and maintain a daily journaling habit.
Then, we’ll dive into a few dozen daily journal ideas.