So, as we’re going through a time of change and adapting to this new way of living we find ourselves in – we may be feeling less and less connected. This may be in terms of contact with our friends and family, from our usual routines, from our studies or work schedules or from the outside world in general if we are having to self-isolate.
It is with this in mind that it may be useful to turn our attention to the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness may have become a household name and almost become a bit of a fad in recent years – however, there are many studies to show how beneficial it can be, to both connecting with ourselves and maintaining a sense of wellbeing. A sense of wellbeing always starts with the self….as the saying goes ‘in order to love others, you need to love yourself'
The good news is…..connecting with ourselves through the practice of mindfulness is relatively easy….and with practice can become transformative in offering us a sense of calm and connectedness within ourselves. In these unsettling times, now more than ever may be the time to try such techniques to manage any feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and reduce our levels of stress. Mindfulness is a great tool to ground us in the present moment, preventing us from catastrophising about if, buts and maybes of the future or ruminating from what could have been in the past. With regular practice, mindfulness can help us approach stressful situations in our lives with more perspective, level-headedness and self-awareness. So, if you recognise that you’re feeling overwhelmed with questions about the future, are experiencing an increase in anxiety or generally feel a bit down in the dumps….then take some time to try these exercises from the link below and adopt a more peaceful, grounded way of being that may help reduce these thoughts and feelings and make you feel like you again.
Ben Webster
Student Wellbeing Advisor - Faculty of Arts & Humanities