gmhTODAY Spring 2024 | Page 26

Living in the moment : An Introduction to mindfulness by Mariam Ndao , Senior - TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy

Picture this : you arrive home , mind consumed by the day ' s burdensome tasks and responsibilities . You swiftly decide to take some time to relax — what do you do ? Go on your phone for an hour , take a nap , or go on a walk ?

Now , contrary to popular belief , there is not just one correct option . Yes , consuming social media in abundance can be harmful once it begins to impact your mental health and wellbeing ; however , intentionality dictates how these actions impact you . Perhaps you decide to scroll on social media with the intention of finding a new hobby – maybe you find a new recipe you would like to try , a new topic you would like to journal on , or a new place you would like to visit on the weekend . Going into the task with an intention can help guide you to a positive outcome . This idea is one aspect of a behavior that has become increasingly popular throughout the years : mindfulness . Mindfulness is an extremely powerful tool ; it can dictate how you interact with others , yourself , and your goals . Finding ways to implement mindful tactics throughout your life can assist you in better tailoring your lifestyle to your overall values .

First off , what does it mean to be mindful ? Mindfulness is centered around being intentional — it means to be aware of how your actions impact others and yourself . This includes the development of healthy and productive habits , a focus on mental wellbeing , and a knowledge of the world around you . In other words , being mentally present in the moment and actively accepting of the circumstances are two significant parts of mindfulness . A brief introduction to a few mindfulness tactics can help you get acquainted with this state .
26 SPRING 2024 gmhTODAY Magazine : Go . Make history ... gmhtoday . com