Stress Relieving Techniques
Mindfulness
Meditation that cultivates mindfulness can be particularly effective at reducing stress, anxiety,
depression, and other negative emotions. Mindfulness is the quality of being fully
engaged in the present moment, without over-thinking or analyzing the experience. Rather
than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, mindfulness meditation switches
the focus on what is happening right now. Mindfulness meditation is not equal to zoning
out. It takes effort to maintain your concentration and to bring it back to the present
moment when your mind wanders or you start to drift off. But with regular practice, mindfulness
strengthens the areas of the brain associated with joy and relaxation. Mindfulness
provides a potentially powerful antidote to the common causes of daily stress such as time
pressure, distraction, agitation, and interpersonal conflicts.