Mindfulness and mental health often go hand in hand. The two components can be very beneficial to your healing and recovery journey. Practicing mindfulness is very accessible and resourceful. Yet, if this is the case, why don’t more people implement mindfulness practices in their recovery?
Interpretation of Mindfulness
According to the Journal of HHS Public Access, poor methodologies associated with practices of mindfulness have often led to consumer misinformation, as well as a very homogenous view of just what mindfulness is. However, it may be beneficial for those attempting to sustain good mental health to practice and research mindfulness because mindfulness practices are intended to be an inclusive subset of treatment that provides alternative healing methods.
Different Forms of Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices can help improve mental health as it allows for an intrinsic approach to navigating the thoughts that run through our minds. The techniques often include quiet, peaceful, and secluded atmospheres, enabling us to sit and confront our mental state. The American Psychological Association describes mindfulness as a form of present-focused awareness. Different forms of mindfulness include:
- Mindfulness meditation
- Spiritual meditation
- Focused meditation
- Movement meditation
- Mantra meditation
- Progressive relaxation
Mindfulness meditation and awareness may benefit those navigating recovery, as these transitional periods may find one plagued with an array of different sentiments and emotions. At times, these emotions can seem overwhelming and convoluted. During trying times in our recovery journey, things may seem out of control or intimidating.
One may begin to lose focus and motivation for recovery. However, mindfulness can help redirect one’s mind back to the center to focus on overall well-being.
Focus On One or Few Emotions at a Time
However, these practices encourage us to center on one or a few emotions simultaneously. Since mindfulness promotes the present, it can make us more aware of what exactly it is that we are feeling and what the best way to approach those feelings may be. This can be vital to helping us understand where our triggers stem from and how to overcome them.
We can also find different approaches to healing through these practices and tailor them to best suit our specific needs. For instance, if an individual feels anxious and high-strung, they may use alcohol to cope. However, mindfulness is a healthy alternative to using substances to cope.
One of the most significant elements of mindfulness is that it provides us with alternative ways of thinking and managing everyday issues. When issues are not addressed, this can become dangerous as it causes us to neglect our mental health and lose touch with what we genuinely need. Too often, our critical needs are sacrificed at the expense of other responsibilities. On the other hand, mindfulness encourages us to slow down the influx of everyday life.
Some of the Societal Pressures We Face May Cause Us to Feel
- Anxious
- Angry
- Stressed
- Inadequate
- Depressed
- Overwhelmed
- Performative
- Directionless
If one finds themself facing any of these sentiments, they need to understand that they are not alone. Further, it is common to experience these unfavorable emotions. However, when an individual is struggling with mental health, substance use disorder (SUD), or overall wellness, it is essential to understand that prioritizing one’s needs is one of the best steps to take toward a positive future.
The Mind Is a Powerful Thing
One may be surprised just how much power the mind, thought processes, and daily consumption may have over one’s life. Mindfulness allows an individual to reflect on those thoughts and whether or not they genuinely serve them.
One may find it helpful to take a few moments, perhaps in the morning, to meditate and ask themselves questions such as:
- What exactly am I feeling?
- What could be contributing to these feelings?
- What do I want to get out of today?
- How can I achieve these goals?
- Is there anything that I feel is hindering me from these goals?
- What are my needs?
- How can I meet them?
- Are there any negative emotions that I need to address?
- How can I get the most out of this moment right now?
Practice Mindfulness on a Daily Basis
The more individual practices elements of mindfulness, the more they discover their needs. A person may find some aspects of mindfulness to feel organic, while others may feel performative and less natural. Understand this is okay; not everything will feel right. Mindfulness practices may serve as significant contributors to recovery.
Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center cares about you and your wellness. Our facility understands that everyone’s journey is different, and mindfulness can be a crucial part of your journey to lasting recovery. Your approach to recovery may not look like your neighbor’s, which is perfectly fine.
Our facilities function to provide a thorough diagnosis to ensure your treatment plan meets your needs. Our group therapy programs will also help incorporate peers and family, providing a safe atmosphere to help members learn about their mental health and substance use disorders.
With us, you will develop the skills necessary to embark on your recovery journey; of course, we remain a point of contact should you need help with challenges. If you find yourself in need of help and a community, do not hesitate to reach out. To learn more, call us today at (949) 284-7325.
