Mindfulness is defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness of the present, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Although it is considered a therapeutic technique anyone can use it as way to simply decompress and clear the mind.
Mindfulness can also help:
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Reduce Chronic Pain
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Relieve Stress & Anxiety
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Fight Depression
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Improve Sleep
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Boost Your Immunity System
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Reinforce Motivation
There's clearly something really powerful about being in the present moment of everything you do, especially when it comes to working out.
Mindfulness and Workouts
When you are being mindful during your workout you are making your mind and body stronger at the same time. However many of us struggle with maintaining focus during a workout. Not to mention keeping up the motivation to actually workout regularly. This is where mindfulness most comes into play.
A mindful workout offers controlled attentiveness, which has shown to improve exercise results when compared to being distracted. Also, people tend to be more satisfied with the result of the workout and ultimately, keep exercising more often.
You don't have to dread working out or feel stressed just thinking about it. Instead you can practice mindfulness where you can slow down and really be present in the moment. In turn you will reinforce your motivation and actually enjoy working out.
The 3 Books We Recommend For Mindful Workouts
Some activities that help achieve mindfulness are meditation, yoga and tai chi. But, there are other way to practice this technique.
We recommend reading. These 3 books focus on the technique of being mindful and how to apply it to your workouts.
1. Mindful Running: How Meditative Running can Improve Performance and Make you a Happier, More Fulfilled Person
Mindful Running proves the benefits of mental fitness training for optimal running performance by tapping into scientific research, expert analysis and elite athlete contributions. It also reveals how a strong mind-body connection can help your running as well as your overall mental, emotional and physical health.
2. The Champion Mindset: An Athlete's Guide to Mental Toughness
The Champion Mindset focuses on how to program a competitor's mind to achieve optimal success based on Joanna Zeiger's journey as a professional triathlete and Olympian. However this book is also for every athlete that wants to change their behaviors and ways of thinking in order to succeed.
3. Work In: The Athlete's Plan for Real Recovery and Winning Results
Work In teaches athletes how to balance workouts with working in so they can get to where they want to be. It also offers a 28-day meditation and restorative yoga plan aimed to reduce mental fatigue and re-energize the body.