STRESS MANAGEMENT: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction- Stay in the Here and Now

"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin."
- Mother Teresa

Mindfulness is the ability to focuses on increasing present moment awareness, the here and now experience, which is the foundation for mindfulness based stress reduction.

Mindfulness is about non-doing. It’s about allowing yourself to be in the moment with things exactly as they are, without trying to change anything.

The purpose of mindfulness is to recognize and accept reality as is, without prejudice from emotional reactions or mental distortions; without answering to automatic behavioral patterns which only adds stress.

The purpose is to be present. In fact, all you have is the moment you are right now; you can't live neither in the past nor in the future.

The purpose, I would better say, consequences of mindfulness are:

• less stress,
• no anxiety,
• no depression,
• no negative thoughts.

When you are here and now you have no time to worry and feel stress.

Mindfulness is a proven remedy against the downward spiral caused by automatic negative thoughts - well known stress trigger.

Recognizing negative thoughts early allows following a different track. In case of a depression, or anxiety for instance, this is very important. When in the mind the same things are continuously repeated and ruminated of what was, it becomes a closed circuit without giving entry to new, real experiences, without entry to the richness of life itself that is present here and now.

(And mindfulness meditation is one of many effective meditation techniques you can try--stress management techniques that I highly recommend!)

Take Action:

1. When dealing with a problem, try focusing on what's happening right now, without projecting into the future or dredging up the past; it keeps you dealing with what's going on now.

2. Try to stay in the present, the specific problem, and finding a solution that works.

3. Start mindfulness meditation. (I suggest you to start with guided mindfulness meditation. Check the resources below)

Mindfulness can effectively help you deal with a variety of stressors without becoming overwhelmed.

With practice, you may see a significantly positive change in outlook, and a decrease in your experience of chronic stress.

(read Are you heading toward burnout)

Mindfulness means that you step out of your life story and step into life itself, here and now.

It teaches how to give attention to what is positive and beautiful in life, despite of stress situations in which we often find ourselves. It is about seeing the same things with different eyes. It is an attitude that leads to appreciation of the simple and small things of life.

About the Author

Dr.Inese Millere is Holistic Stress Management coach and consultant who assist women in leadership in creating stress management and work life balance strategies, and healthy lifestyle routines.

If you'd like to talk about coaching with me, please contact me directly at info@action4balance.com with a brief description of your situation.