Mindfulness therapy helps cure mental illnesses

In Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna, the Pandava prince, tells Krishna about the restlessness of human mind: ‘The flickering mind is certainly turbulent, strong and obstinate. I think that subduing the mind is more difficult than the wind.’ A restless mind is the root cause of many mental illnesses. Psychiatrists are now using ‘Mindfulness’ therapy to treat mental problems.

Mental & physical health

Mindfulness therapy is found to be useful in curing a large number of mental issues like depression, anxiety and eating disorders, couples’ conflict or even substance abuse. Practitioners of the therapy claim that it helps improve both physical and mental health.

Be happy, be positive!

Mindfulness is a combination of mediation or concentration and accepting the thoughts, senses, feelings, breathing rhythm, etc. as they occur while one tries to be focused on more positive and happy thought in course of the meditation.

Practice helps

Initially, it may appear difficult but with increasing concentration the mind could be controlled and focused on the immediate present without being judgmental. Scientists have established that Mindfulness helps treat a large of mental illnesses besides helping people lead happy and satisfied lives.

Mindfulness is a great way of:

• Relieving one of stress
• Treating heart problems
• Dealing with blood pressure
• Decreasing chronic pain
• Improving sleep
• Dealing with gastrointestinal issues
• Improving mental health

Psychotherapists have found that Mindfulness therapy is helpful in treating a number of mental illnesses including:

• Depression
• Substance abuse
• Eating disorders
• Couples’ conflicts
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorders

Mindfulness & psychotherapy

Experts, however, maintain that the Mindfulness to be effective needs to be combined with psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy. This is because both meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy share the common goal of helping people gain perspective on irrational, maladaptive, and self-defeating thoughts.

Mindfulness: Objective

The aim of practicing Mindfulness is to attain a state of alert, focused relaxation. This can be done by paying attention to thoughts and sensations without being judgmental.

Mindfulness- To do list: 

Concentration – Focus on natural breathing, word or chant, sitting quietly. Repeat the chant time and again, slowly, while allowing thoughts to come and go. Don’t be judgmental about the thoughts, feelings and sensations during meditation.

Physical sensations – Take note of sensations like itching or tingling and let them fade away. Follow the same process from head to toe.

Of sensory – Take note of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches and name them as “sight,” “sound,” “smell,” “taste,” or “touch” without being judgmental and let them fade away.

Emotions – Know the emotions present in you without being judgmental. Name them while relaxing: “joy,” “anger,” “frustration.”

Relief from daily stresses

Mindfulness, given the complexities of our modern day lifestyle and daily stress and strain, can provide a cathartic relief to persons suffering from mental or physical problems. It helps develop a positive and healthy attitude to life’s challenges and face them with ease.