In this episode, I discuss what mindfulness is and why it’s such an important concept and skill to understand and develop. I start off by providing you with some background information and practical life examples to help you understand mindfulness better, then I talk about a phenomenon known as “mind wandering” or “monkey mind,” and how it can actually be beneficial, but maladaptive at the same time. Then I take a deeper dive into what goes on in the brain when you’re experiencing mind wandering, but also how the brain changes in its functioning when you practice bringing conscious awareness to thoughts and distractions, and refocus yourself on the task at hand. Then I get into a discussion on how mindfulness meditation works, as well as its numerous benefits for mental and physical health. I finish off the episode with some recommendations on how to perform mindfulness meditation, and how often and for how long you should do it to start seeing these benefits, and as always, I give you an action item to work on to help you improve your health and live your best life!

Resources:

10-minute Guided Meditation video (tap to open)

Headspace app (tap to open)

Calm app (tap to open)

Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS): https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/The_Mindful_Attention_Awareness_Scale_-_Trait_(1).pdf