You've probably already heard the word "mindfulness" a lot. Especially in business, the concept tends to become a cliché in certain contexts. However, in its true form, mindfulness brings a number of beneficial changes at a mental level. All these changes occur when we begin to become aware of the present moment. We judge others less and focus more on ourselves. 

When you're mindful, there are dramatic changes in the brain

The results of a 2011 study* show how some participants in a mindfulness program observed changes in the gray matter in the brain. Its density increased as a result of participating in mindfulness classes and the implicit change in mindset. In 2015, another project carried out by the Universities of British Columbia and TU Chemnitz collected data from more than 20 other studies and concluded that mindfulness influences eight different brain regions. Two of them are highly relevant for professionals in various fields. 

The first is called the anterior cingulate cortex and is a structure associated with discipline and the ability to focus on ongoing activities. People with imbalances in this area of the brain are prone to aggression and impulsivity.

They also have problems with mental flexibility and identifying practical solutions. On the other hand, people who meditate constantly perform much better on tests of self-discipline, cope much better under stress and tend to learn from past experiences. Scientists believe that stimulating this region of the brain is essential for developing decision-making skills. 

The second relevant area is the hippocampus, responsible for much of the emotions and memories. It is covered by receptors for the stress hormone cortisol. The reason why chronic stress and depression harms them. The same study* from 2011 shows that people who experience depression have smaller hippocampi than people who are balanced on all three levels (physical, soul and mind). In other words, inner stillness, introspection, meditation and the ability not to let too many negative thoughts overwhelm you contributes significantly to the stimulation of the hippocampus and therefore to brain health. 

Moreover, neuroscientists show that being mindful helps us regulate our emotions, encourages thinking, introspection and self-awareness. "Mindfulness" is no longer just an attribute that "it would be good to have". It has become something you need to have for a healthy brain and optimal decision-making capacity. At the same time, the quality of truly living in the present protects us from the toxic effects of stress. 

Read here 10 easy tips to apply in your daily routine to become mindful!

More information about mindfulness you can read here

You can take the first steps towards becoming mindful by participating in our program: https://desprespa.ro

Source:

* http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24705269, http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/how-meditation-may-change-the-brain/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=2