Our brains love rhythm and hate chaos. Scattered, non-focused mental energy activates the neurochemistry of duress and triggers psychological and physiological symptoms. Cortisol, the so-called stress hormone, is secreted in response to scattered attention and multitasking can ultimately lead to high blood pressure, inflammation and suppressed immunity, as well skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis and insomnia, anxiety and depression.
On the other hand, by paying mindful attention to the sounds, sights and other sensory details of our environment, all of these health issues can be reduced and even eliminated. One of the simplest ways to incorporate a mindfulness practice into your daily routine is to spend five minutes twice or three times a day focusing on a bodily sensation. It could be your heartbeat, or your pulse, or perhaps the detailed feel of a body part, like your hand or foot. I like using the sound of my breath.
You don't need to do anything to change your breathing, just pay close attention to the normal sound of air coming into and out of the nose, and you'll be low in cortisol and improving cortisol related symptoms. You'll also be reducing the stress response and increasing the secretion of feel-good hormones. Your brain will be happy and before long you'll be enjoying more contentment, peace of mind and an enhanced sense of well-being.
