When you hear the word "mindfulness," what comes to mind? For many of us, it's a vague idea of paying attention to the present moment and being aware of what's happening around us. But mindfulness is more than just a buzzword — it's a practice that can significantly benefit your wellbeing

Mindfulness can help you reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, increase self-awareness, reduce chronic pain and boost your immune system. It has also been linked to lower blood pressure, better sleep quality, and even lower rates of depression and substance abuse.

But despite these benefits, many people struggle with incorporating mindfulness into their daily lives. (It's important to note that mindfulness isn't something you do once or twice a week; it's an ongoing practice that requires commitment and dedication to see real results.)

Getting started with mindfulness

I get it. It isn't easy to find time in your day for mindfulness practice. You're busy, you have a full schedule, and you have things to do. But mindfulness is essential and can help you deal with the stress of daily life.

Here are some tips for incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine if you're just getting started:

• Start with short exercises. Instead of trying to do an hour-long session, begin with a 5- or 10-minute practice and see how it feels. You can always add more time later. A good way to start is by taking notice of your breath as you inhale and exhale. You can do this while walking or sitting still, whichever you prefer.

• Use guided meditations. If you want some help in learning how to be mindful (and who doesn't?), there are plenty of audio recordings available online. They'll guide you through exercises and offer tips on becoming more present. 

• Develop a personal practice routine. Find what works best for you, whether practicing before bedtime or after breakfast each day or just doing a few minutes when you have a spare moment throughout the day—like during your lunch break at work or while waiting in line at the bank or post office, etc.

Forming the habit of mindfulness

Mindfulness practice is a powerful tool for improving your health, happiness, and overall wellbeing. But like any new habit, it can be hard to stick with.

Remember to be kind to yourself when you mess up. If you don't do it perfectly every time (and who does?), don't beat yourself up! Just take a deep breath, start again and keep going until you feel like stopping.

To help with practicing mindfulness, consider using an app or website like Headspace or Calm that offers guided meditations and other resources for beginners as well as more advanced users.

Mindfulness is more of a journey than a destination, but that doesn't mean we can't take the first step. So take a few deep breaths, get comfortable, and start your journey by making time in your daily life for mindfulness.