More

    HOW MINDFULNESS RESTORED MY PEACE OF MIND

    Date:

    By Lucy Wyndham

    When I first began to experience anxiety, I had no idea how on trend I was. A recent Women’s Health Survey of 15,000 Australian women found that just over 46% have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression. We’re the women who are trying to be good friends, partners, mothers, daughters, citizens and employees; and we’re putting ourselves last. In my case, overcoming anxiety meant finding ways to restore and re-balance myself, without feeling that I was being self-indulgent or neglecting my roles elsewhere.  For me, the “point” of mindfulness was the way in which it gave me back my peace of mind.

    Modelling mindfulness

    Mindfulness is a technique which helps you to focus your awareness on the present.  It’s noting the moment, accepting it, and letting stresses or worries pass.  It doesn’t require specialist gear or being in a certain place, which is why it’s perfect for me.  I can pause while hanging out the washing, pushing my daughter on the swings or listening to my son practice his spellings. I try to model it to them too; in fact, the first Mindfulness Curriculum has recently launched in schools to try to help disengaged and stressed out kids.  Studies have shown that it’s a tool that everyone can use, regardless of age.

    Breathing in the everyday

    One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety is shortness of breath. When I felt particularly anxious, my heart would race and I’d feel myself over-breathing until I felt almost dizzy. For those situations, I learned to practice breathing techniques which help to restore calmness and could help me get quickly back to a steady rate.  It might feel strange at first to focus on something we do automatically, but there is a real benefit to developing good breathing habits for everyday life. Work on them whenever you get a few minutes’ peace; you may find that your shoulders become less tense, your jaw less rigid and your heart a little lighter.

    Meditation in minutes

    For a busy parent, the idea of taking time out to meditate may seem like pure luxury but it can be squeezed into life more easily than you might think. Many CEOs and industry leaders now embrace meditation, and I can certainly vouch for its power to help me manage my anxieties and juggle family life more effectively too.  Meditation helps to clear the mind of niggling worries and brings the positives into focus. Just five minutes a day can really help to establish the habit; for me, setting my alarm just before everyone else gets up is the only way to fit it in.  Friends of mine have found they can meditate whilst walking the dog or in that perfect peace once the kids are in bed; find your window and use it to clear your mind.

    For those of us who experience anxiety, practising mindfulness and meditation is a really powerful tool.  It’s free, flexible enough to fit in around life, and highly effective in clearing the mind and lowering stress.  It’s a brilliant gift to pass on to your kids too.

    Find your five minutes a day and enjoy the peace it brings.

    Contributor
    Contributor
    Our content is a labour of love, crafted by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about the west. We encourage submissions from our community, particularly stories about your own experiences, family history, local issues, your suburb, community events, local history, human interest stories, food, the arts, and environmental matters. Below are articles created by community contributors. You can find their names in the bylines.

    Did you know?

    It's hard to find local stories because major news suppliers have economised by cutting local journalism. In addition, social media algorithms mean we have to work doubly hard to be seen.

    If you loved reading this article please consider donating to the Westsider. Support from you gives local writers an outlet and ensures an independent voice can be found in the west.

    If you're a business or community group, consider advertising in print or online, or becoming a community partner.

    Your feedback

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

     

    Share

    Latest Articles

    Latest edition

    #101 October 2024

    Recent editions

    Subscribe

    Become a supporter

    The Westsider is run on the power of volunteers. Your contribution directly contributes to ensuring we can continue serving and celebrating our community.

    Related articles