#FACT: While "mindfulness" is a very old notion, T.W. Rhys Davids, a Buddhist scholar, created the phrase in 1910.

Mindfulness is popular nowadays, but what exactly is it? But why is it so popular?

This essay will answer that question, as well as explain the roots of mindfulness, how it varies from meditation, and why being overly mindful can be harmful to your health.

With that said, let's put all distractions aside and learn about the various benefits of mindfulness!

Who coined the phrase "mindfulness"?

Mindfulness is a translation of the word sati, which originated in ancient India.

In Buddhism, it means focusing on the present moment and accepting it without judgment.

In other words, mindfulness is the practice of being aware of and acknowledging your breath, thoughts, and physical sensations.

In terms of who originated the term "mindfulness," T.W. Rhys Davids, a Buddhist scholar, did it in 1910.

However, if we want to talk about who popularized the term mindfulness, the credit goes to Jonn Kabat-Zinn's 2003 Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program.

Are mindfulness and meditation the same?

Writing is not the only means to express your ideas. The same goes with meditation. It's simply one way to practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness can be practiced during your daily activities, including eating and watching movies.

However, when it comes to meditation, you must put aside some time to practice it. So, unlike mindfulness, you cannot meditate while engaging in daily tasks.

Why is it necessary to be mindful?

In addition to enhancing your presence and boosting your focus, practicing mindfulness offers a wide range of other advantages. For instance, it can alleviate stress and enhance your mood, both crucial for attaining happiness in life. Contrary to common belief that only mental health benefits from mindfulness, it actually has positive effects on physical health as well. Studies show that mindfulness can help reduce blood pressure, alleviate chronic pain, and even enhance sleep quality. Mindfulness is also valuable for reducing mind-wandering, a common issue that can impair perception and cognitive abilities. It is important to mention that while mind-wandering has some benefits of its own, we will delve into those later!

Can mindfulness affect the brain?

Our brain's structure is not static; behaviors, events, and thoughts can all cause neuronal networks to change. This is widely known as neuroplasticity.

Returning to the MBSR program, in 2011, researchers from a Massachusetts hospital employed it for eight weeks to analyze brain changes before and after mindfulness practice.

The seminal study, which used brain MRIs (magnetic reasoning imaging), discovered that being aware increases gray matter in the hippocampus. When this occurs, the individual acquires improved memory and emotional intelligence.

Aside from that, researchers discovered that mindfulness reduces the gray matter in the amygdala, a region of the brain associated with stress, fear, and anxiety. What about the brain?

Is mindfulness a skill?

You could believe that being mindful is not a skill because all you have to do is concentrate on the current moment, right? However, as the phrase goes, "It's easier said than done."

This is demonstrated by the fact that fewer and fewer people are able to focus on a single task, much alone the current moment, as a result of modern digital distractions such as social media.

So, indeed, mindfulness is a skill. And, as with other talents, it takes time to become proficient in mindfulness.

What is the opposite of mindfulness?

Mindlessness is the reverse of mindfulness, and it is not always a bad thing. Everything has advantages and disadvantages, right?

So, mindlessness can be as beneficial as awareness. But only if you do it right.

This entails allowing your mind to wander while performing tasks that require little to no mental effort, such as brushing your teeth, riding a bike, or doing the dishes.

Mindlessness benefits you because it boosts your inventiveness and improves your capacity to plan ahead. That's why there should be time for both mindfulness and mindlessness.

This raises the question...

Is excessive mindfulness bad for you?

It is believed that excessive indulgence in anything, including mindfulness, can be harmful. This phenomenon is referred to as the Yerkes-Dodson Law in scientific terms. This law suggests that both too little and too much physical or mental stimulation can result in decreased performance. Hence, there exists an optimal level of arousal necessary to achieve peak performance. When it comes to mindfulness, excessive engagement in its physical and mental health benefits can have negative consequences. Overdoing mindfulness may actually lead to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Therefore, it is recommended to practice mindfulness for a few minutes every day rather than engaging in lengthy sessions occasionally. Consistency in practice is more beneficial than intensity.

Mindfulness is a valuable skill to acquire, whether for unwinding after a long day or appreciating life more. Besides meditation, mindfulness can be integrated into various aspects of daily life, requiring only a few minutes each day to start experiencing its numerous benefits. It is essential not to overlook mindlessness, as it also offers similar advantages to mindfulness. Ultimately, it is crucial to remember that reaping the benefits of both mindfulness and mindlessness is only possible when practiced correctly and in moderation.