Practicing mindfulness might sound intimidating, but it’s actually a simple practice that can bring you lots of benefits. It’s simple in theory (being in the here and now, without distractions or mental dramas), but mastering this skill does take practice!
Research on mindfulness is still in its early stages. However, some studies have already discovered that it’s a path full of benefits. With mindfulness in your toolkit, you become a super mom ready to face whatever life throws at you, and on top of that, it can help you understand why you react to certain situations the way you do.
By practicing mindfulness, you’ll be better equipped to deal with stress and anxiety. In a 2014 UCLA study, forty-seven pregnant women enrolled in a mindfulness class. Beforehand, they all had stress and anxiety levels through the roof. But after six weeks of practice, they learned to handle certain emotions, pain, and even complicated social situations. The moms who regularly attended the class showed less anxiety than those who only took one class and read a pregnancy book.
So, future mom, when you wonder how to prepare your mind for childbirth, look in the direction of mindfulness! The best part? You don’t need to be a meditation guru! Just pay attention to your thoughts and how they affect your mood and body. Take a deep breath and let it all go! There’s no such thing as bad meditation, just thoughts flying around. Relax, feel the present moment, and live happily as you wait for that little one on the way.
