Mindfulness exercises to make you mentally fit

To calm the mind, mindfulness exercises help

09/04/2015

When the mind does not calm down, it often causes stress, tension, and general dissatisfaction. Not infrequently falls asleep difficult, so that lack of sleep is the result. The news agency „dpa“ spoke to Dr. med. Christa Roth-Sackenheim of the Federal Association of German Nerve Physicians (BVDP) on mindfulness exercises, which can calm the mind.

With mindfulness exercises, you can consciously experience the here and now
When the mind can not calm down, it creates tension, stress and dissatisfaction. Not infrequently, those affected no longer perceive their needs, creating a vicious circle. Roth-Sackenheim advises on targeted exercises that sharpen the mindfulness, so that the perception of the current moment improves and the here and now is experienced more consciously. „Thus, the ability to concentrate, the ability to enjoy and also the mood can be favorably influenced“, explains the expert.

The doctor and psychotherapist recommends an exercise immediately after waking up in the morning. So one could stay in bed for a few minutes and become aware of being awake. It should be deeply felt in the body and in the breathing. Respiration is generally good for training mindfulness. „Thus, one can always draw attention to the breathing during the day, try to connect with the breathing and to feel the quality of the breathing“, reports Roth-Sackenheim. Also the focused concentration on the moment could help. The expert advises to schedule a few minutes per day for the exercises in the initial phase.

With targeted exercises body and mind can come to rest
Another way to relax the mind is through guided seminars or courses. Tai Chi, Yoga, Autogenic Training or Progressive Muscle Relaxation are just some of the exercises that can teach and promote mindfulness. Meditation can also be helpful. What is important is a pleasant environment that creates a sense of calm and relaxation, as well as a framework that creates trust and allows those affected to let go of the ever-circulating thoughts.

Roth-Sackenheim points out that people with mental health problems often suffer even more from their thoughts. „With constant thought circles the thoughts can often no longer be ordered and thought through - they lead to no goal“, she explains. Affected persons could train their mindfulness in special psychotherapies. (Ag)