The average person has more than 6,000 thoughts in a single day. That’s a lot of thinking! There are so many distractions in our lives. Even with the chaotic pace of our days, there are quick and simple ways to focus on being mindful.

The practice of mindfulness is simply bringing awareness to the current moment, without judgement. We can apply mindfulness to everyday tasks: walking, eating, running errands or even taking a shower. Mindfulness takes no extra time, and the benefits can include relieving stress and improving concentration.

Here are a few ways you can practice mindfulness throughout your day: Leave a visual note or reminder in the spots you frequently visit in your day, perhaps on your mirror, bedside table, or phone screen; designate certain activities where you will practice mindfulness, such as brushing your teeth, during a meal, taking a shower or walking your pet.

When we become curious about how we are in the moment, we create connection and communication between our mind and our body. Mindfulness can turn on the relaxation response within our bodies, and it is associated with the reduction of the physical symptoms of stress. This is desirable because physical symptoms of stress are associated with an increased risk of serious diseases.

Please join in an 18-minute Mindfulness Meditation, referred to as a Body Scan Meditation, led by Dr. Brandon Yabko, psychologist and program director for the Mindfulness Center at the Salt Lake City VA. This meditation focuses attention on physical sensations in the body and further develops the mind/body connection.

Check out more resources in mindful awareness here: Mindful Awareness – Whole Health (va.gov).