Lately, the phrase "meditation and mindfulness" has been thrown at us over and over as a way to be at peace with ourselves, slow down, and pull ourselves up and out of an anxiety hole or depression spiral. But what does that actually mean?
Meditation and mindfulness have gained serious traction in recent years, often heralded as essential techniques for managing stress and getting closer to a better sense of well-being. The magic lies in their ability to help us cultivate a deeper awareness of our thoughts and emotions — the good, the bad, and the chaotic. They give us permission to hit pause on life’s relentless pace and just *breathe*.
Meditation and Mindfulness: Immersing in the Moment
It’s all about immersing ourselves fully in the present moment. Mindfulness gently pulls us away from our two favorite pastimes: dwelling on past regrets and stressing about the future. This practice invites us to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment, creating a space where we can acknowledge emotions and let them pass through without being consumed by them.
As I’ve started to lean into this mindset myself, the benefits have become undeniable. Meditation and mindfulness are like mental life rafts, helping me stay afloat when the weight of anxiety and low moods starts creeping in. The simple act of focusing on my breath or following a short guided meditation gives my brain a breather, helping me reset and face the day with a little more clarity.
Even just a quick Google search will show you the science behind it — regular mindfulness practices have been shown to lower cortisol (that pesky stress hormone) and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. And let me tell you, those are words I never thought I’d genuinely understand, but here we are.
In a world that can feel overwhelming, learning to slow down and reconnect with ourselves is a superpower. So let’s embrace it. Let’s create a little sanctuary within ourselves — a place to retreat to when life starts feeling a bit too loud.
My Personal Affirmations Routine
One of the simplest yet most impactful practices I’ve added to my routine is daily affirmations. And before you cringe, hear me out — this stuff works.
Every morning, I take a few moments to repeat positive statements about myself and my life. Even on days when I don’t fully believe them, saying affirmations out loud helps shift my mindset over time. Phrases like:
- "I am capable of achieving my goals."
- "I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth."
- "I deserve happiness and peace."
- "I am proud of how far I’ve come."
- "I’m going to show today who’s boss!"
I write them down in a journal (which is also a great excuse to buy a cute notebook, by the way) and use them as little checkpoints throughout the day. This routine has genuinely helped me face obstacles with more confidence and kindness towards myself. On rough days, revisiting old affirmations reminds me of how much progress I’ve made, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
If you’re not sure where to start, try picking one affirmation that resonates with you and say it every morning for a week. Write it on a sticky note, set it as your phone wallpaper — whatever works. The key is consistency, and over time, you might just surprise yourself with how much it changes your mindset.
So now, it’s time to find that mirror, look yourself in the eye, and tell it exactly what it needs to hear. You’ve got this.
What affirmations keep you going? Drop them in the comments — I’d love to add some new ones to my list!
Movi x
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