Can living in the 'now' make you a better parent?
Being a parent can be tough. Not only do you have to keep another human being alive, you're often bombarded with advice that can leave you utterly exhausted and feeling like a terrible parent.
But we have some good news – a university study found that the key to better parenting and improved mental health is mindfulness. That is, simply letting go of things that worry you and living more in the present, moment-to-moment.
'Mindfulness' is defined as being aware of the present and accepting our thoughts and feelings, whatever they might be. If you apply this to parenting, it can mean accepting those negative thoughts, while leaving you able to focus on being present with your child. This leaves you better placed to deal with parenting challenges, such as crying and tantrums.
The 62 mothers that took part in this study also answered questions about their mental health. It went on to find that mindfulness was strongly related to a mother's mental health. Those who were more mindful were less stressed and anxious.
If you're finding parenting hard, it's ok; with mindfulness, you can learn not to focus on past mistakes, or worry about those 'what ifs' of the future. As this study shows, learning to live in the present is better for both you and your children.
If you're not sure of where to start when it comes to mindfulness, pick up a copy of our mindful journal, That Was Now. It guides you through a journey to living in the moment and has a selection of affirmations that give you a unique opportunity to transform the way you think and feel.
But we have some good news – a university study found that the key to better parenting and improved mental health is mindfulness. That is, simply letting go of things that worry you and living more in the present, moment-to-moment.
'Mindfulness' is defined as being aware of the present and accepting our thoughts and feelings, whatever they might be. If you apply this to parenting, it can mean accepting those negative thoughts, while leaving you able to focus on being present with your child. This leaves you better placed to deal with parenting challenges, such as crying and tantrums.
The 62 mothers that took part in this study also answered questions about their mental health. It went on to find that mindfulness was strongly related to a mother's mental health. Those who were more mindful were less stressed and anxious.
If you're finding parenting hard, it's ok; with mindfulness, you can learn not to focus on past mistakes, or worry about those 'what ifs' of the future. As this study shows, learning to live in the present is better for both you and your children.
If you're not sure of where to start when it comes to mindfulness, pick up a copy of our mindful journal, That Was Now. It guides you through a journey to living in the moment and has a selection of affirmations that give you a unique opportunity to transform the way you think and feel.
