By Reetha Boone-Fye
Over the past decade, research into Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has expanded tremendously. While the data continues to evolve, studies increasingly suggest that Mindfulness can be beneficial in supporting self-regulation, stress management and self-care. Increased stress can limit our ability to navigate everyday life and prevent us from performing at our highest potential. That is why Mindfulness Matters.
When we think about healthcare, we often think first about doctors, hospitals, medications and medical appointments. But healthcare also includes the choices we make between those appointments—how we respond to stress, how well we rest, what we eat, whether we move our bodies, and perhaps most importantly, whether we pay attention to what our bodies and minds are telling us.
Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally bringing our attention to the present moment without immediately judging what we find there. It does not replace professional medical care. Instead, it can become another tool in our personal healthcare toolbox.
Consider how often we say, “I’m fine,” while our bodies are telling us otherwise. We push through exhaustion. We ignore tension. We lose sleep because our minds refuse to slow down. We postpone appointments because there is always something—or someone—else requiring our attention.
For many of us, particularly those who spend our lives caring for families, building careers, serving our communities and carrying the responsibilities that come with leadership, self-care can easily come last on our list.
Mindfulness challenges us to change that.
A few minutes of intentional breathing can create an opportunity to check in with ourselves. A mindful walk can allow us to notice both our surroundings and how our bodies feel. Eating mindfully encourages us to slow down and pay attention. Even sitting quietly for five minutes can provide a moment to ask: How am I doing—really?
Healthcare should not begin only when something hurts. It should also include developing a relationship with ourselves that allows us to recognize when something has changed.
This month, I invite you to practice a simple healthcare habit: Pause. Breathe. Notice.
Notice your stress. Notice your energy. Notice your body. Notice what you need—and when necessary, seek the appropriate healthcare professional rather than continuing to push through.
Because taking care of ourselves is not an interruption of the important work we have to do.
It is what helps make that work possible.
Retha Boone-Fye is a Mindfulness Facilitator and curator of “Spa for the Soul” Retreat Healing Leaf International, LLC / Mindfulness Matters http://www.mindfulnessinternational.com
