It’s the new year and we all hope for a better one than the last. New Years goals often tend to focus on health and wellness, but is there a surefire way to reach them? A new study from the University of Bath says that combining mindfulness with exercise is the most effective approach. (DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100575)
Sometimes pushing through starting a routine is the hardest part. That’s where mindfulness comes in. Mindfulness is being fully present and aware of our thoughts and feelings, but non-judgmentally. Some mindfulness techniques in the studies include:
- Audio-guided body scans
- Mindful breathing
- Mindful walking
- Self-compassion and acceptance
Researchers believe that mindfulness serves as a key to initiating exercise by providing motivation. It also helps in overcoming minor pain, discomfort, or feelings of failure when the challenges of exercising arise.
Starting new habits is hard, but with mindfulness as a tool in our toolkit we’re one step closer to reaching our health and wellness goals.
HolistiSci 
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