At Candy Club, we believe candy can and should be part of a fun, happy life. That’s why we’ve released a brand new collection focused on something just about everyone could use more of these days: mindfulness.
Chances are you’ve heard of mindfulness, and maybe you’ve even tried it yourself. If not, you’re probably wondering, what are the benefits of mindfulness? Does it really help, and how do you get started? To get you up to speed and show you what inspired us to create this latest batch of Candy Club favorites, we’re covering some of the amazing ways mindfulness promotes well-being inside and out.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness means being aware of the present moment, without judgment, rather than dwelling in the past or focusing on the future. Mindfulness practices usually involve focusing the attention on stimuli that will help root you in the present, such as your breathing, the sounds you hear around you, or the sensations of your body. Mindfulness meditation is just one of many practices that can be used to promote the state of mindfulness.
Mindfulness has a long history in many Eastern cultures and spiritual practices, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and yoga. Today, it is widely used in Western culture in certain kinds of psychotherapy, and there is abundant evidence that it leads to better mental and physical health.
So, just what are some of these physical and mental benefits of mindfulness? Keep reading to find out!
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
If you ask Siri, “What are the benefits of mindfulness?” right now, the answers might have you believing that mindfulness is a cure for just about everything. Unfortunately that’s not the case – mindfulness isn’t a cure-all and doesn’t work instantly. It works better in some situations than others, and the effects of mindfulness are often best when it is used in conjunction with other health-promoting practices or therapies.
However, mindfulness is powerful when used right. Research has shown that the benefits of mindfulness range from mental and emotional to physical, as you’ll see in the list of the advantages of mindfulness below:
Better mental health
Evidence for the positive effects of mindfulness on mental health are overwhelming. Various studies cited by the American Psychological Association (APA) have shown that mindfulness practices can lower stress, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve emotion regulation skills. These improvements to mental health can go on to have positive effects on every aspect of your life, such as strengthening your relationships and preventing job burnout.
Cognitive improvements
Yep – mindfulness is good for your brain!
Several of the studies mentioned in the APA article referenced above also showed improvements to working memory in people who practiced mindfulness meditation. Working memory is the small amount of information that can be held and used in immediate tasks. It is crucial in learning, brain development, and even emotion regulation. A person with good working memory can focus on complex tasks, solve problems, and use attention selectively to remain calm in stressful situations.
If you want to be better at problem-solving, communicating, and resolving conflicts, it’s a good idea to start practicing mindfulness!
Improved physical health
The mind and the body are connected. If you don’t believe that, just look at the research showing that mindfulness can improve heart health, immune function, and more. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation is connected to lower blood pressure, which in turn helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Mindfulness meditation is also linked to stronger immune systems and reduced cell aging.
Since physical ailments can exacerbate mental illnesses like depression and anxiety – and vice-versa – practicing mindfulness is a great way to promote wellness on all fronts.
How to start practicing mindfulness
To get the most out of the benefits of mindfulness, it’s best to practice mindfulness with some guidance. Here are some ways to get started:
- Grab a mindfulness guide at a local bookstore or online
- Download a mindfulness app
- Get connected with a therapist trained in mindfulness
- Join a group that practices mindfulness meditation
If you’re interested in mindfulness and need some extra-sweet motivation, you can also order a cup or two from Candy Club’s Mindfulness collection. Or give the gift of mindfulness to a friend by sending them a reminder to Breathe Positivity, Focus on the Good, Enjoy the Moment, or Choose Happy. After all, it’s easy to focus on the present moment when it’s filled with the sweet taste of candy!
