HOW TO REDUCE STRESS THROUGH MINDFULNESS

By definition, mindfulness is the psychological practice aimed towards being more present or “in the moment.” It is attained by raising your awareness.

Stress is absolutely horrid for your physical health. Chronic stress increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, as well as diabetes, The National Institution of Mental Health reports. Chronic stress also compromises the immune system and has the potential to cause serious, long-term damage to your organs, according to an article published by Future Science OA.

Disturbingly enough, 74-percent of people in the United Kingdom reported feeling overwhelmed by stress and unable to cope, according to the Mental Health Foundation. 

A sound body starts with a sound mind, which exactly what mindfulness promotes. It can reduce stress and even correct the negative thought patterns associated with depressive disorders, according to The Harvard Gazette.

How to Reduce Stress Through Mindfulness

Meditation

Have you ever been so distraught over an issue you were told to “sleep on it”? Next time, try meditating on it.

In the aforementioned Harvard Gazette article, researchers found noticeable differences with long term effects in the brain activity of patients with depression. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH) reports meditation can reduce high blood pressure, pain, anxiety, depression, and the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 

Acupuncture 

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine in which needles are used to prick the skin around various areas of the body with proven physical and emotional benefits. It has a withstood the test of time, with the first recorded evidence of acupuncture spanning as far back as 6000 BCE.

The Acupuncture Evidence Project found the practice effective in treating at least 122 conditions, including:

• Hay fever (Allergic rhinitis)
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea
• Chronic lower back pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Tea

Tea has been revered as a health-promoting beverage for thousands of years. To this day, it is the second most widely consumed beverage around the globe, according to Current Pharmaceutical Design.

Drinking tea is associated with a reduce risk of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and a number of other debilitating, chronic illnesses, due to tea’s antioxidant properties. Green tea in particular has received a lot of attention for its health benefits, research published in Chinese Medicine found.

Taking a much-needed tea break is relaxing. The warmth of the beverage and the variety of robust flavours can instantly reduce your levels of stress. Many teas also contain caffeine, which is a stimulant associated with an increase in focus and enhanced mood. 

Mindfulness lays the foundation for a healthy mind and body. Meditation, acupuncture, and drinking tea are the most common and effective mindfulness techniques for reducing stress with the scientific research to back the evidence.

However, it doesn’t stop there. If you want to get the most out of mindfulness and explore your options through traditional Chinese medicine, book an appointment at the Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medecine (SITCM). Our experts are highly experienced and trained to guide you on your path to mastering mindfulness. 

Head on over to our blog to learn more about mindfulness and traditional Chinese medicine. If you are interested in learning more information about SITCM, please contact us.