The Man City manager admits that the Premier League is shaping into a three-team race and that there can be no slip-ups
I can’t seem to concentrate while meditating. I know it’s a helpful practice for mindfulness and can help me with my anxiety but I’m unable to sit still and focus. — Name Withheld
Dear Writer, I consider being mindful a skill. Like any other skill (driving, cycling, etc.), it takes practice! Beginners often make the error in pressurising themselves to stay still and go blank, or focus. But it is this hyper-intention that makes mindfulness practice harder. We tend to be fickle-minded and any efforts to control or suppress thoughts, sensations or emotions, only aggravates it. Therefore, when you practise mindfulness exercise, I suggest that you observe what is happening within you rather than put in efforts to regulate your inner world. The idea behind mindfulness is not to become empty of thoughts. It should change your relationship and interaction to them — instead of responding or talking back to them, you take a step back and observe them or watch them move on. You are allowed to fidget and get distracted as long as you remember to keep coming back to your breathing. With time, your responses or the distractions fade and that is when you are in a mindful state.
I suggest that you break down these practices to smaller chunks, beginning with 10 minutes twice a day and when you are better with it, level up to 20 mins a day. Short mindful breathing exercises in between a busy day can also help you immensely. These can be as short as two to five minutes and serve as a reminder or an anchor. Making sure that you have a set time and place and have the mental space for it is also important. Fatigue, hunger, extremes in any emotional state or even pain are some common barriers and you may find it harder to be mindful in these states.
(Got a query about mental health? Email us on wknd@khaleejtimes.com)
The Man City manager admits that the Premier League is shaping into a three-team race and that there can be no slip-ups
Established in 2009, the Mohamed bin Zayed (MBZ) fund has supported projects for conservation of species and subspecies across 170 countries
London and Indian cities were among the top five destinations, report shows
The book created by Emirati illustrator Mohammed Al Rais and based on a tale by Swiss author Kurt Blum, is set to capture the hearts of young readers with its delightful story of uniqueness and triumph
The idea of undergoing the procedure was 'mentally and emotionally draining', the longtime Abu Dhabi resident said, but doctors eased her worries
The ruins in the middle of Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija province are a tourist draw, even as the region swelters in extreme heat
This covers traffic violations incurred until 2023
Friday's polling will be held for 88 of the total 543 seats in the lower house or Lok Sabha of Parliament with 160 million people eligible to vote