Aging gracefully typically involves looking three to five years younger than your age while doing activities such as surfing or tap dancing that reveal you are still active in society. While this goal may sound lofty, it can be reached with small steps that add up over time; mindfulness practices offer one such powerful, cost-free solution.
Mindfulness is an ancient practice that involves becoming fully present in each moment – both inside and outside your body – recognizing thoughts and emotions as they arise, even if they’re uncomfortable or unpleasant. Self-awareness through mindfulness has proven invaluable as we age.
Studies suggest that mindfulness meditation may help reduce stress and improve cognition, while attenuating pain caused by conditions like arthritis without risky side effects from medications.
Recent research compared older adults who participated in mindfulness and exercise training with those who did not, and found that most participants reported mental, emotional, and physical improvements.
Start practising mindfulness today: find a peaceful environment and focus on breathing deeply for a few minutes, gently returning your focus back onto breathing. You could also try focusing on one body part like feet or listening to soothing sounds as another way to keep practicing. There are so many possibilities out there; you could easily find an online resource to keep up with mindfulness practice!