How Mindfulness Can Boost Self Esteem Among Students
Mindfulness is popularized as a practicing technique for centuries. The term mindfulness refers to “a family of mental exercises that generally involve calmly limiting thought and attention”. Mindfulness can be defined as “a family of techniques, which have in common a conscious attempt to focus attention in a no analytical way and an attempt not to dwell on discursive, ruminating thought.” Mindfulness is vital for students especially those that in final year that are ready for their undergraduate research project defense. Such exercises vary widely and can involve sitting still and counting breaths, attending to a repeated thought, or focusing on virtually any simple external or internal stimulus
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness is one of the Five Principles of Yoga. It is the practice by which there is constant observation of the mind. It requires a person to focus his mind at one point and stilling the mind in order to perceive the self. Through the practice of Mindfulness, we will achieve a greater sense of purpose and strength of will. It also helps us achieve a clearer mind, improve our concentration, and discover the wisdom and tranquility within ourself. Mindfulness is also one of the Eight Limbs of Yoga which leads to Samadhi or Enlightenment. Research shows that the practice of Mindfulness contributes to our physical and psychological well-being. It can reduce Blood Pressure and relieve stress and pain. Meditating also brings our mind to a level of consciousness that promotes healing or what is known as the alpha state. Achieving the alpha state can help decrease anxiety, depression and other mental, psychological, or emotional problems. Thus mindfulness process is good to induce relaxation response.
SELF ESTEEM
Self-esteem refers to individual’s perception or subjective appraisal. of one’s own self-worth, one’s feelings of self-respect and self-confidence and. the extent to which the individual holds positive or negative views about self. The construct of self-esteem. People develop high self-regard when they consistently meet their personally important goals or standards in life.
See Research Project Topics On Self Esteem On Uniprojectmaterials
He also recognized that such ‘meeting’ is subjective, and not objectively accurate. Contemporary views of self-esteem similarly concern one’s perceived, rather than objectively assessed, worth. Throughout the twentieth century, self-esteem was heralded as a psychologically important construct. Self-esteem can be seen as a fundamental need in his influential hierarchy, arguing that it is not possible to achieve fulfillment without first meeting the need for self-worth and self-respect. Self-worth reflects the extent to which parents (and others) provide us with unconditional positive regard (i.e., love and respect). If others convey unrealistic ideals, or lead us to believe we are not meeting those ideals, self-worth suffers.
MINDFULNESS AND SELF ESTEEM NEXUS
Mindfulness is commonly defined as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally”. The concept is often associated with Buddhist traditions, but it has become increasingly popular in Western culture and in clinical practice. According to Western conceptualizations, mindfulness refers to an awareness of both internal and external experiences. Mindfulness is comprised of two components: self-regulation of attention and orientation to experience. Self-regulation of attention refers to awareness and observation of moment-to-moment experiences, such as thoughts, feelings or sensations. Orientation to experience involves an attitude of curiosity, openness and acceptance. The term mindfulness is used when referring to either a psychological trait (dispositional or trait mindfulness), a state of awareness (state mindfulness) and in reference to the practice of cultivating mindfulness, for example, through mindfulness mindfulness. Mindfulness became increasingly recognized following the introduction of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) interventions and, later, mindfulness based cognitive therapy. Further developments in psychological treatment have resulted in a number of interventions incorporating mindfulness approaches, such as dialectical behaviour therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. A number of studies have attempted to explore the mechanisms underpinning mindfulness. Results indicate that increased self-compassion, positive emotions and acceptance may explain improvements following mindfulness-based interventions.
