Reading this article will significantly reduce your stress.
Welcome to mindfulness
Like meditation, mindfulness involves focusing your thoughts on the present moment to help relax your mind. Developed by John Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in 1979, mindfulness has gained popularity in recent years.
Mindfulness takes various forms, including yoga, breathing techniques, and quiet activities like reading. Numerous books, websites, and even celebrities promote its health benefits.
The benefits of mindfulness include reduced anxiety and depression, increased pain tolerance, lowered blood pressure, improved memory and intelligence, and a healthier lifestyle.
In today’s fast-paced world, people constantly try to keep up with the latest trends and stay connected through their mobile devices. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the importance of slowing down and taking time to relax, reflected in the new hybrid workspace environment where people work from home to spend more time with family and avoid commuting.
But we can use technology to support mindfulness. Enter “Mindfulness Reading and Relaxation.”
Reading is an excellent way to relax. It can be done almost anywhere and at any time, such as on the bus or train to work. Even just a few minutes of reading a day can be beneficial.
Traditional paper books can be somewhat distracting due to the noise they make when turning pages. E-readers offer a less distracting experience and mimic the look and feel of actual books. They also provide easy access to a complete library of books organized by categories for stress-free retrieval.
What sets mindfulness reading apart from regular reading? The idea is to fully immerse yourself in the moment and focus solely on what you’re reading rather than letting your mind wander. This involves reading slowly, practicing breathing techniques, and absorbing the entire reading experience.
A wearable e-reader, like Sol, can provide a distraction-free experience. It’s also important to disconnect from any device or app that may cause distractions or noise. Dress comfortably, find a quiet place to sit, bring a pillow, make some green tea, use a scent diffuser, or try any other method that helps you relax. Remember, the goal is to create a distraction-free environment.
Believe it or not, the type of book you read matters. It’s important to choose a light-hearted and calming book, as action and horror books can increase stress levels.
Take your time to read, focus on the storyline, and be present in the moment. The relaxation and focus achieved through reading are similar to the benefits of meditation.
Technology can potentially enhance our lives in ways we may not have imagined. We must embrace technology and use it to improve our lives instead of letting it take over.
If you’d like to explore more about mindfulness, consider creating a library of mindfulness and self-help books. Some recommended titles include “You Become What You Think,” “Mindfulness for Dummies,” and “Mindfulness in Plain English,” all available in Kindle editions. They are great resources for starting your mindfulness journey.