What is the secret of mindfulness and good health?

Published by Alison Wem on

Does easing overload and stress lead to greater health?

For many years there has been a debate on the health benefits of mindfulness meditation. My unscientific observation of students would indicate that those who regularly meditated seemed to have greater mental and physical health. Was I just being hopeful?

Early studies into the benefits of mindful meditation were inconclusive but there have now been more extensive studies undertaken. Jill Suttie has written a very informative article on the outcome of those studies. It is well worth the read.

Thank you @JillStuttie

The Science Behind Mindfulness and Good Health

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Conscious Mind

Strengthening Body and Spirit: The Hidden Benefits of Fitness and Discipline

In a fast-paced world, physical fitness is often seen as a way to stay healthy and look good. But what if exercise could do more than that? What if it could also strengthen your spirit and deepen your sense of purpose? When approached with discipline, physical fitness offers incredible spiritual and mental benefits that go far beyond.

Building Discipline: A Path to Inner Strength

Consistency in physical fitness is a form of discipline, and discipline has a profound spiritual impact. By showing up for yourself, whether lifting weights, running, or practicing yoga, you cultivate self-respect and resilience.

Discipline teaches you to embrace discomfort for the sake of growth, a principle that mirrors spiritual practices like meditation or fasting. Over time, sticking to your fitness routine strengthens not just your body but also your willpower and ability to navigate challenges in other areas of life.

Movement as Meditation

Have you ever felt completely in the zone during a run or weightlifting session? That flow state – where time seems to disappear – is a meditative experience. Physical activity helps quiet the mental chatter, grounding you in the present moment.

Running, cycling, or even walking outdoors can become a spiritual practice when done mindfully. Focus on your breath, the rhythm of your steps, or the sensations in your body. In these moments, exercise transforms into a moving meditation, connecting your mind, body, and spirit.

The Mind-Body-Spirit Connection

Physical fitness bridges the gap between the physical and the spiritual. When your body feels strong and energised, your mind is clearer, and you’re better equipped to connect with your spiritual self. Exercise boosts endorphins, reduces stress, and creates a sense of inner calm that can enhance prayer, meditation, or introspection.

A healthy body also serves as a vessel for spiritual growth. Focusing on higher aspirations is easier when you’re not weighed down by fatigue or poor health.

Practical Tips to Blend Fitness and Spirituality
  • Set Intentions: Begin your workouts with a simple intention, such as gratitude or focus.
  • Stay Consistent: Approach your routine as a sacred practice, showing up even when motivation wanes.
  • Incorporate Nature: Exercise outdoors to connect with the earth and breathe fresh air.
  • Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge small victories as reflections of your growing strength—inside and out.

By combining physical fitness with mindfulness and discipline, you’ll discover a deeper connection to your spirit, proving that strength isn’t just physical – it’s spiritual, too.

Try any form of exercise you enjoy and see the lift it gives you

 

Meditation

Clear Your Mind: A Practical Guide to Meditation for Men

Life can feel like a juggling act – work, relationships, responsibilities. It’s no wonder your mind might feel scattered or your focus lacking. Meditation is the tool you didn’t know you needed to cut through the noise and bring clarity to your day. And no, it’s not about sitting cross-legged in silence for hours. It’s practical, effective, and, best of all, easy to start.

Why Meditation?

Think of your mind like a muscle. If it’s constantly overworked without rest, it’s bound to lose strength. Meditation trains your mind to focus, helping you cut through distractions and approach tasks with clarity. It’s not about emptying your mind – it’s about learning to guide it where you want it to go.

Step 1: Keep It Simple

You don’t need incense or chants to meditate (unless you want to). Start small. Here’s a straightforward practice you can try:

  1. Find a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted.
  2. Sit comfortably – on a chair, a couch, or the floor.
  3. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose. Hold it for a moment, then slowly exhale out through your mouth.
  4. Focus on your breath. Feel the air entering and leaving your body.

That’s it. Set a timer for 5 minutes to start. Gradually increase the time as it feels right.

As you increase your time, after five deep breaths return to normal breathing. Feel how the energy goes from your lungs down through your body and up to the crown of your head. Explore how your mind and body feels.

Even a few extra minutes can make a big difference.

Step 2: Handle Distractions Like a Pro

Your mind will wander – it’s natural. You’ll think about work deadlines, dinner plans, or that random thing you forgot to do last week. Please don’t beat yourself up over it. When you notice your mind drifting, gently bring it back to your breath. Over time, this “mental reset” becomes easier and spills over into your day-to-day life, helping you refocus on tasks more effectively.

Step 3: Add Purpose

If focusing on your breath feels too simple, try a mantra or visualisation. A mantra is a short repeated phrase, like “I am focused” or “I am calm.” Visualisation involves picturing a scene that brings you clarity, like standing on a mountain with a clear view.

Both practices can keep your mind engaged while reinforcing positive thoughts.

Step 4: Make It a Habit

The key to success? Consistency. Start by meditating at the same time every day – maybe first thing in the morning or during your lunch break. Think of it as part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth. Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer can help guide you if you’re unsure where to start.

The Payoff
Meditation doesn’t take long to show results. After a few days, you might notice your mind feels sharper, tasks feel less overwhelming, and stress starts to fade. Over weeks and months, you’ll likely find you’re more present, productive, and at peace.

So why not give it a try? Just a few minutes a day can transform how you approach life’s challenges. Meditation isn’t just about sitting still—it’s about stepping into the world with focus, clarity, and confidence.

Start today. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 

Emotions

Resilience for Real Life: Practical Tools to Stay Strong and Grounded

When life throws challenges your way—whether it’s work stress, personal setbacks, or unexpected changes, building resilience can make all the difference. Resilience isn’t about forcing yourself through tough times; it’s about cultivating an inner strength that helps you bounce back and grow.

For men navigating high-pressure situations, spiritual practices like meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork can offer powerful tools to support that resilience and build lasting mental and emotional strength. Yet many men don’t take advantage of these tools. Stop for a moment and listen to the suggestions below.

Meditation: A Moment of Stillness to Recharge

Meditation might seem like a stretch if you’re new to it, but think of it as a practical reset for your mind. In the midst of a demanding day, even five or ten minutes of meditation can bring a sense of calm and clarity. This simple practice creates space where you can pause, let go of distractions, and refocus on what matters most.

I had an introverted manager who had to give weekly stand-up chats to his team of 40+ people. We worked in an open plan office, but just before the presentation he would turn his back on us and look at a picture on the wall behind his chair. This gave him the calmness to give the standup with clear and effective communication. His stand-ups became well loved and his team looked forward to them.

To get started, find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Let your mind settle, noticing thoughts as they arise without getting pulled into them. With each breath, you’re becoming calmer and more focused. As you breath out you let go of whatever no longer serves you, helping you handle life’s demands with a little more ease and resilience. This short exercise is also good for your blood pressure.

Mindfulness: Staying in the Present

Mindfulness is about fully engaging in what you’re doing right now – no multitasking, no mental to-do lists. When work and life get busy, it’s easy to get caught up in distractions or future worries. Your mind is jumping from one thing to another. Practicing mindfulness can help you break that cycle, grounding you in the present moment and giving your mind a much-needed break.

Mindfulness doesn’t have to take a lot of time. You can practice it anytime, anywhere – whether you’re working, exercising, or even just enjoying a meal. Focus on the experience itself, noticing the details and sensations. Staying present like this builds a steady, grounded mindset that can help you navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.

Breathwork: Taking Control of Stress

Your breath is a powerful tool for managing stress, and specific breathwork techniques can quickly bring calm and balance into any stressful situation. When pressure mounts, it’s easy to fall into shallow, fast breathing, which only adds to the tension. By practicing deep, controlled breathing, you can stay grounded, even when things get tough.

Try the “4-7-8” breathing technique: inhale for a count of four, hold for seven, and exhale for eight. It only takes a few rounds to feel a shift in your stress levels, helping you regain focus and stay in control. Just three deep breaths can make you feel very different.

Building a Routine That Fits

Building resilience doesn’t mean you need a complicated routine. It’s about finding simple practices that resonate with you and fit into your life. Try different approaches to see what works best – a short meditation in the morning, a mindful break during the day, or breathwork to settle your nerves when stress spikes. Over time, you’ll have a tool kit to support you through any challenge, helping you build a deeper sense of resilience and inner strength.

When life gets challenging, these practices are here to help you stay grounded, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.