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Mindfulness
&
Wellness
Mindfulness is...
the basic human ability to be fully present. This is a skill that can be trained and can be applied to any moment. It is non-judgmental and helps bring awareness to your current thoughts and feelings. Practicing mindfulness is a way of life for many.
A huge misconception is that Mindfulness and meditation are the same. Meditation is a form of Mindfulness. You can bring yourself into the present with meditation, but you can also do it as you walk, run, color, etc.
By practicing Mindfulness, you are embracing wellness. These two combined are key for a pre-med's success... really anyone's success.
What are the benefits of practicing Mindfulness?
COMBAT ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
REDUCES STRESS
INCREASES POSITIVE EMOTIONS
INCREASES JOB SATISFICATION
ENHANCES EMOTION REGULATION THROUGH IMPROVEMENTS IN EXECUTIVE CONTROL
IMPROVES FOCUS
IMPROVES LEADERSHIP ABILITIES
INCREASES SELF ESTEEM AND COMBATS SOCIAL ANXIETY
INCREASES POSITIVE JUDGMENTS AND REDUCE NEGATIVITY BIAS
STRENGTHENS YOUR BRAIN AND IMMUNE SYSTEM
IMPROVES WORKING MEMORY CAPACITY, REDUCES MIND WANDERING,BETTER TEST SCORES
IMPROVES SLEEP AND FIGHTS INSOMNIA
LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Essentially through breathing and doing muscle relaxation techniques, you are engaging your parasympathetic nervous system which inherently counteracts the sympathetic stress response. It brings the body back to its base level before the stress onset.
Mindfulness Meditation also change brain activitation in the amygdala . This is seen in Desbordes study using fMRI. The video on the left goes into more details.
BOOKS RELATED TO WELLNESS
BOOKS RELATED TO MEDICINE
Podcasts
Seven Inspirational Ted Talks
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