Do you believe that being completely in the present can impact you as a whole?
You’ve probably heard of something called mindfulness and how it can help improve several different aspects of your life. But did you know that mindfulness can even make you a better person? It’s true, mindfulness will not only have a positive impact on your own life, but it can also transform the way you see and treat others. And here at the Making Time blog, I’m all for techniques that allow you to manage your stress before your stress manages you. Read on for three ways being mindful can help you become a better person.
Mindfulness = Increased Empathy
Empathy is about being connected to feelings. Your feelings and the feelings of others. When you spend more time considering how you think and feel, you become more empathetic as you begin to learn more about how thoughts and feelings are connected.
One study performed at California State University San Marcos found that people who received specific instruction in mindfulness practices were more empathetic when they noticed a stranger in need. And having empathy is an essential part of creating and maintaining meaningful, healthy relationships.
Mindfulness = Better Emotional Control
In the same study mentioned above, researchers also found that people introduced to mindfulness techniques remained in better control of their own emotions. This means they were less likely to burst into anger at someone else because of a small perceived mistake.
Anger or other emotional outbursts can separate you from others because people tend to respond to the emotions of those around them. So, if your emotions are all over the place, it’s likely that those around you will have emotional swings as well as they react to you. If you become better at controlling your emotions, others will likely want to be around you bringing your relationships closer.
Mindfulness Lowers Stress
Stress is a killer. It puts a significant amount of strain on your body and your mind. When you’re under pressure and feeling stressed out, you’re less likely to think about other people. Incorporating more mindfulness in your life helps to lessen the pressure that you feel from stress and improves your outlook. And when you feel better, you can bet that treating others positively will come naturally without you even having to try.
When you add mindfulness into your life, there’s a change that happens. It begins to transform how you perceive empathy and express emotions. Combine that with having less stress and you’re well on your way to becoming a better person.
Let’s talk. How do you think becoming more mindful will impact your life? Let me know in the comments section.
Cassandra Martin-Himmons is a facilitator, stress management coach and author of “Yes I’m Grateful,” a gratitude journal. She believes in empowering her clients to help them manage their stress and increase self-care. In her spare time, she enjoys papercrafting, volunteering and travel. Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn