The Importance Of Mindfulness In Daily Life

Characteristic of a Type A personality, I would describe myself as someone who is a perfectionist, workaholic, goal-oriented, strives for success, does not like wasting time, has difficulty relaxing, often feels rushed, and is an overachiever (Pollock, Chen, Harville, &

Bazzano, 2017). Living like this can be very stressful. Sadly, I often find myself focusing more on academics and my career than on my interpersonal relationships, such as my relationship with my husband of almost thirty years. In efforts to reduce my level of stress and quiet my mind, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and read a book on mindfulness. I will explain reasons for choosing this book, particular topics of interest, supportive evidence for using mindfulness to

In their book 10-Minute Mindfulness: 71 Simple Habits for

Living in the Present Moment (2017), Scott and Davenport discuss the importance of living in the present moment. The book provides a variety of mindfulness habits, explains the benefit of each habit, and how to incorporate mindfulness practices into daily life. Mindfulness is defined as being “intentionally aware of the present moment while paying close attention to your feelings, thoughts, and sensations of the body” (Scott & Davenport, 2017, p. 11). The authors discuss how the brain has a “tendency to react to negative stimuli more intensely than positive experiences” and how our responses to these negative stressful stimuli result in “rumination, regret, and worry” (Scott & Davenport, 2017, p. 9). I often find myself consumed with

Running head: MINDFULNESS MEDITATION judgmental and critical thoughts about my nursing performance and feelings of guilt from not

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spending more quality time with my husband. In efforts to reduce these negative thoughts,