Mindfulness

The Purpose of Mindfulness is to...

 Enhance awareness of the present moment, without reacting out of emotion.
 Learn to accept thoughts and emotions as natural events that you don't have to control.
 Break the habit of reacting to thoughts and emotions. Just because a thought or emotion
comes up does not mean you have to follow it, believe it, or act on it.

Mindfulness is not...

 Mindlessness, or allowing your mind to wander aimlessly.
 A form of relaxation or positive thinking, although this may happen anyway.
 About changing or leaving an experience, even though it might be uncomfortable.

Why it matters

 Training mindfulness can increase attention and working memory
 People who practice mindfulness are less likely to suffer from depression, PTSD, and reckless behavior (like binge drinking)

Mindfulness Techniques

Focus on your breathing

Try focusing on your breathing for 60 seconds.
If (when) your attention wanders, just acknowledge it and bring your attention back on breathing.

add 30-45 seconds every few days until you can do it for 12-15 minutes.
Benefits start to show after practicing for 15 minutes, 5 times per week, for 4 weeks.