Mindfulness: 5 benefits to overcome anxiety and plan for the future.

Living in the present is something as essential to human happiness as it is complex. If you stop to think about it, we always have our sights set on the past or the future, but never on the present, and this makes us worry about things that either don’t exist or are beyond our control. Doing this is a defense mechanism of our brain, which tries to escape uncomfortable situations. To prevent you from doing this unconsciously, we invite you to read this post about mindfulness.

If you want to deepen your understanding of emotional well-being and the complex world of self-realization, stay on Educa.Pro’s blog, where we’ll talk about the five most important benefits of mindfulness and many other related topics.

What is mindfulness?

Human beings have always been concerned with the pursuit of happiness, as if it were a goal we deserve to reach after much effort. Or at least, that’s what religion — any religion — has always tried to instill: sacrifice yourself now to live fully in the hereafter. But of course, when does that promised “hereafter” or “eternal life” actually arrive? No one knows.

On the other hand, industrial society has also been promoting that same mantra since industrialization, prioritizing productivity over people’s happiness and creating a vicious cycle we can’t seem to escape. In short: we suffer in the present to be happy tomorrow, but when we realize that results don’t always come when or how we expect, we begin to think that perhaps the past was better. So, what’s left for us? If the past no longer exists and hope has vanished… living in the present is the answer — and that’s exactly what mindfulness is about.

However, if what you need is a definition that clearly explains what mindfulness is, it could be said that it’s the practice of paying full attention to the present moment without judging it or evaluating future consequences. To do this, the person practicing mindfulness focuses on feeling their emotions, bodily sensations, and the sensory stimulation caused by their environment. The main goal is to enjoy the present, appreciate every detail, and transform the concept of happiness into a journey, not a final destination.

Discover the 5 benefits of mindfulness and learn to value your present

The phrase “living in the present” is full of clichés, but it’s essential to raise awareness about how important it is to see our daily routine as a field of possibilities where we are the ones who decide, instead of acting like automatons driven by endless to-do lists.

After learning about the advantages of embracing mindfulness, you’ll start to see your days differently:

1. Reduces stress: Mindfulness is recognized for its effectiveness in reducing stress. By focusing our attention on the present moment and accepting experiences without judgment, we can cultivate a more positive and calm attitude.

• Improves emotional well-being: The practice of mindfulness can enhance our ability to regulate emotions and develop greater emotional awareness. It helps us observe our thoughts and feelings without fully identifying with them, leading to greater emotional stability and improved overall mood.

• Increases concentration: By training the mind to stay present in the moment, mindfulness strengthens our ability to concentrate and focus. This is beneficial both academically and in daily life, allowing us to perform tasks more efficiently and accurately.

• Improves interpersonal relationships: By practicing mindfulness, we develop greater attention and active listening toward others. This allows us to build deeper and more meaningful connections with those around us, improving our communication and empathy skills.

• Fosters resilience: Mindfulness helps us cultivate an attitude of acceptance and compassion toward ourselves and others. This strengthens our emotional resilience, allowing us to face life’s challenges with greater calm and adaptability.

Why do humans cling to the past and worry about the future?

If you want to go beyond the 5 benefits of mindfulness, you should know there are many answers to why we’re unable to live in the present. Some are based on philosophical ideas, others on personal experience, but from a psychological standpoint, these are the reasons we’re always focused on the past or the future.

We are cognitive by nature: we are programmed to learn from the past and project this knowledge into the future — and that’s fine — but sometimes this is what keeps us from enjoying the present. Our brain wants us to anticipate the future to avoid risks, but most of the time, this only causes anxiety.

We need to know who we are: to do this, we rely on memories that define us and help us build our self-image based on past experiences. However, isolated events don’t define you — you must focus on who you want to become because you are the one who should take control of your identity.

Emotional attachment: Our emotions and emotional bonds are closely linked to the past and the future. We cling to positive past experiences because they give us a sense of joy and satisfaction. On the other hand, negative experiences can create worries and fears about the future.

Need for control and security: simply put, this is related to our survival instinct. We worry about the future because we long for a sense of control and safety in our lives.

 As you can see, the benefits of mindfulness can change your outlook on life — but to do so, you’ll need to practice it daily in all kinds of contexts. Follow the Educa.Pro blog and learn all about personal and professional development!