Presently, people are dealing with record high levels of stress. In fact, Newsweek reported that 8.3 million Americans suffer from severe emotional distress. Too many individuals cope with fear by drinking alcohol or using drugs. However, there are several calming techniques that are much healthier. That’s where the mindfulness vs meditation question comes in.
Mindfulness and meditation aren’t two words that mean the same. On the one hand, mindfulness is a specific practice where you focus your mind. You might concentrate on an object, your breath, or a positive thought. It helps relieve stress by living in the present rather than the past or future. In contrast, meditation is a broad umbrella term that includes mindfulness and more.
Differences of Mindfulness vs Meditation
First, meditation can be used to describe most Eastern Medicine techniques rooted in Buddhism. There is visualization meditation where you act out your goals in your mind. Meanwhile, there’s meditative yoga that involves stretching the body to relax stress points. Other types of meditation include tantra, body scan, mantra, and chakra. Thus, mindfulness is just one example of meditation.
Another big difference between mindfulness vs meditation is how they’re practiced. Meditation is frequently a seated practice where you fold your legs and close your eyes. Often, meditation involves repeating phrases like “Ohm” to focus. Yet, mindfulness can be done anywhere and anyhow. It’s simply attuning each of your senses, including your sight, on what’s currently happening.
Common Health Benefits of Practicing Both
Of course, weighing the unique characteristics of mindfulness vs meditation is helpful. But, the two can actually be very beneficial together. For one thing, both are linked to improved sleeping patterns for quality rest. Similarly, mindfulness and meditation heighten your mental clarity. Better attentiveness will aid your school or work performance. Moreover, you’ll become more self-aware of your thoughts and feelings.
Physically, meditation and mindfulness often lower blood high pressure. People who practice these exercises have better blood sugar levels. Research also reveals weight loss benefits from more self-control. Likewise, mindfulness and meditation can help people cope with chronic pain. That’s especially helpful for individuals with addictions to opioids. Plus, relieving tension can help prevent recurring migraines.
Learn Stress Coping Skills at Crestview
Considering giving mindfulness vs meditation a try? Then Crestview Recovery has friendly staff ready to teach you. Notably, our Portland drug rehab offers mindfulness training sessions. Our treatment staff members show clients how to live in the present. We find that mindfulness and meditation reduce cravings while improving client mood. Above all, we have a commitment to achieving sobriety with quality services, such as:
- Meth addiction rehab
- Cocaine addiction rehab
- Alcohol addiction rehab
- Prescription painkillers addiction rehab
Don’t let unchecked stress fuel a dangerous drug addiction. Rather, take control and come to Crestview Recovery. Our PNW center uses meditative practices that guide clients to inner peace. Call 8662620531 right away to start getting clean.
