How Can Mindfulness Help to Reduce Stress and Avoid Burnout?

What is mindfulness, and can it help to reduce stress and avoid burnout?

Mindfulness is the practice of connection with self. It is the awareness and acceptance of your current state of being. Likewise, mindfulness allows you to observe the present rather than judge the past or fear the future.

When you focus on things you have no control over, stress is often the result. As you take time to connect with yourself through mindfulness, patterns will emerge. Having a better understanding of your needs can help you face your daily struggles.

Women's brains are perfect for multi-tasking. We are aware of the baby crying, the business call, and the dog whining to go outside all at the same time. The ability to multi-task is excellent if you are trying to run a corporation or household. But when we struggle to recognize our limitations, it can lead to burnout. Practicing mindfulness can help you reconnect with yourself. As you do, you may notice some basic needs that are going unmet.

How can I incorporate mindfulness into my daily routine?

Developing the skill of mindfulness doesn't require a lot of extra time. It can begin with simple routines you work into your day. The following is an example of an exercise you can start to practice daily. 

First, start by focusing on your breathing and the different sensations this brings. Be aware of your senses as you do this. Can you feel the air as it enters your nose? Does it feel warm or cool? Perhaps you notice the gentle rise and fall of your chest. Whatever it is, take time to notice it. Once your mind is focused solely on your breath, expand your awareness to include what your other senses are experiencing. What can you hear, see, feel, taste, and smell? 

As you begin to practice mindfulness, you may notice you need to redirect your thoughts back to your breath frequently. However, with practice, it gets easier. Then, at times when you become anxious, you can shift your attention to this breathing technique. As a result, you can avoid intense feelings of overwhelm and burnout. 

I have so much to do in 24 hours; how can I add mindfulness to my task list?



What mindfulness practice takes in time, it gives back in energy, increased peace of mind, and connectedness. What you put into these practices can pay off. For example, the average time it takes to connect with yourself on this deep level is 20 minutes. So, while you're waiting to pick up your child from school, you can practice developing mindfulness. 

If you feel spread thin, it may be a result of allowing other things to take precedence over your basic needs. You may put off eating while you pay the bills or run an errand. However, as you take the time to connect with yourself on these deeper levels, it can help you become more aware of your needs. For example, you may begin to notice when you are hungry, tired, lonely, or need a break. 

If you look at your daily routines, there are likely activities that help you escape stress. However, these escapes are generally disconnecting in nature and add to our discontentment. Some examples include Social Media sites, eating unhealthy snacks, or watching TV. Yet mindfulness practices can lead to a sense of calm and serenity. Also, mindfulness practices can help us discover the root of our desire to escape. 

At Nova, we can help you implement mindfulness into your day. As a result, you'll also learn how to decrease your stress and prevent burnout. Call us today.