Life can be hectic. Between soccer practice, work, school, and family activities, it’s hard to find a moment to breathe. Have you ever noticed how burned out you feel after spreading yourself so thin? That’s why it’s important to cultivate stillness and calm. When you slow down a little, you and your children can manage your busy schedules with peace of mind and better mental health.
Why is taking care of your mental health important? If you’ve ever been overworked, you’ve probably learned the hard way that taking care of your mental health is essential if you want to avoid a major breakdown. In fact, mental health awareness in the workplace (and elsewhere) is critical to your overall physical health. So let’s look at some benefits of taking care of your mental health through stillness and calm.
1. Increased Focus and Concentration
Ever notice your mind wandering while you’re trying to get something done? By taking a moment to cultivate stillness and calm through meditation each day, you may find that your ability to focus and concentrate increases. Meditation helps you focus on the present and can help you finish the task at hand. So next time you find yourself distracted during work (or your kids get distracted during homework) try a mindfulness exercise to increase productivity and concentration as well as give you peace of mind.
2. Reduced Stress
We can all get over stressed. Stress is caused by a chemical called cortisol. As you are well aware, too much of anything can be a bad thing and too much of this chemical can cause all sorts of problems: anxiety, depression, sleep issues, etc. By practicing stillness and calm, you can actually lower your cortisol level to help reduce your stress back down to a manageable amount. Consequently, as your stress lowers, you might also experience reduced anxiety and other stress-related issues.
3. Increased Self-Awareness
One benefit of stillness and calm is increased self-awareness. As you practice certain mindfulness meditation techniques, you can become more in-tune with your feelings and needs. By being aware of and understanding yourself, you can better relate to those around you and can manage your own feelings. Many youth struggle with this skill, but if you teach your children how to be mindful early on, they will be better equipped to manage their feelings as they get older.
These are just a few of the benefits of taking care of your mental health among many. By practicing mindful meditation, you and your child can enjoy better mental health and learn other life skills like increased focus and self-awareness. If your child is struggling with managing their feelings or stress, help introduce more stillness and calm into their lives. You might be surprised by the results you see! And for more tips and tricks, be sure to check out Troomi.