MIND & BODY AFTER 50
MINDFUL LIVING
Related Positive Mind-states
Optimism is part of ‘mind-body’ medicine. Research shows optimism is a mind-state that can directly affect both physical and psychological well-being. For example, a doctor could rightly encourage her patient to develop a more optimistic attitude to protect the health of her heart -- or to extend her longevity.
Here’s a 2021 study that has more good news about optimism. It also shows that optimism is linked to mindfulness!
In 2020/21, psychologists from a Dutch university interviewed 569 onl…
Mindfulness & Positive States of Mind
Thank you for telling me about your experience of optimism. I'm smiling with you in this. We all appreciate our positive states of mind, don't we? It's such an important question. How can we support our happiness?
Even though outer problems may continue (they often do!), we want practical, realistic ways to develop positive states of mind from within. Self-care for our inner world.
But is that really possible? What is truly effective? How can we support our natural capacity for positive st…
Mindfulness is linked to Optimism!
Optimism has an important role in ‘mind-body’ medicine. Research shows optimism is a mind-state that can directly affect both physical and psychological well-being. For example, a doctor could rightly encourage her patient to develop a more optimistic attitude to protect the health of her heart -- or to extend her longevity.
Here’s a 2021 study that has more good news about optimism. It also shows that optimism is linked to mindfulness!
In 2020/21, psychologists from a Dutch university inte…
Too old to learn mindfulness?
Are you wondering if it's too late for you to learn mindfulness? I've been asked that many times during my years teaching MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction). Here's what I've seen.
Age is not an obstacle to mindfulness. In fact, some wise teachers say that happiness in ageing increases with mindfulness!
Curious? Please check out the video (4:40 min).
And see below a summary of research described in the video.
=================
“This article examines mental and physical …
Mindfulness Reduces Brain Aging
Science continues to show the remarkable benefits of yoga practice — and these benefits likely start with your first class!
These days, scientists usually investigate the ‘hatha’ form of yoga — the yoga practice of mindful awareness during certain body postures.
For example, in programs of MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction), participants are guided in awareness of their inner physical experience as they recline on the floor or sit quietly. They’re not moving, but they are practicing…
How to help your brain the mindful way!
Anxiety is a problem for the mind, but did you know that ongoing anxiety and worry are hard on your brain too?
That’s what research shows. People who have habits of anxiety and worry tend to lose mental clarity over time. Scientists even link chronic anxiety to an increased risk of dementia!
But, here’s the good news: older people who participate in 8-week mindfulness programs tend to worry less and have clearer minds. Their anxiety decreases. And these improvements tend to continue even 6 mo…
How can I help my anxiety? - (5 research studies)
These days, I’ve been hearing about anxiety more than ever. Maybe it’s the effect of COVID’s fear and isolation - so many of us are hurting.
After my last post about anxiety, several women replied, asking for practical information. They ask, “What can help my anxiety?”
One woman says she’s having a hard time sleeping. “My mind just keeps on thinking. I can't ever really relax.”
Another asks “What about when anxiety spirals and you go to hyper vigilance?”
Do you hear the distress in these m…