Just 10 Minutes Of Mindfulness Can Fight Depression

Can a simple 10-minute habit really be the secret to fighting depression? The answer might surprise you.

Welcome to another Thursday with The Good Positive!

Today, take a moment to celebrate the small victories that often go unnoticed. Whether it's making your bed, sharing a smile, or taking a deep breath during a stressful moment, you're making progress.

In this newsletter, we've packed insights and tips to boost your mental well-being. So, take a break and read this entire newsletter. I've got some wisdom on mindfulness for you. :)

In today's edition:

  • Research

  • News

  • Word of the day

  • One core book idea

  • Quote by Thich Nhat Hanh

  • QnA

  • Blog update

  • Community

RESEARCH
Just 10 Minutes Of Mindfulness Can Fights Depression

I’ve been thinking a lot about the small things we can do to make life better, and I came across something that really blew my mind.

It’s all about mindfulness…

And no, I’m not talking about spending hours meditating. I’m talking about just 10 minutes a day. Yep, that’s it. And the results? They’re pretty incredible.

Let me share: Researchers from the Universities of Bath and Southampton conducted a study that included over a thousand people from all over the world.

These weren’t seasoned mindfulness experts; most had never even tried it before. They were simply regular folks like you and me, given a simple task – spend 10 minutes a day practicing mindfulness for a month.

What happened next was nothing short of amazing.

They found that after just 30 days, those who practiced mindfulness reported a significant decrease in depression, by almost 20%. Imagine that.

Feeling 20% less depressed just by dedicating 10 minutes of your day.

Their anxiety levels also dropped by over 12%, and their overall well-being improved by nearly 7%. It’s like a ripple effect, where a tiny habit creates waves of positive change.

But here’s the part that really gets me…

It wasn’t just about feeling better mentally. These people also started taking better care of themselves. They became more motivated to eat healthier, exercise regularly, and even sleep better.

It’s like mindfulness gave them a key to unlock a healthier lifestyle.

I’ve tried it myself, and I won’t lie, I was skeptical at first. But as I sat there, focusing on my breath, scanning my body, and setting intentions for the day.

It wasn’t immediate, but over time, I noticed a change. My mind felt clearer, I was less reactive, and I found myself enjoying the little things more.

Like the smell of coffee in the morning, or the way the sun feels on my face during a walk. It’s the small stuff, you know?

Now, I’m not saying mindfulness is a magic bullet. It takes consistency, and some days it feels like a chore.

But if you’re anything like me, the idea of feeling less stressed, more in control, and a bit more joyful might be worth the effort.

So, here’s my takeaway for you:

  • Give it a try.

  • Just 10 minutes a day for a month.

  • Use a free app like Medito (that’s what the study used), and see what happens.

You might find yourself feeling better, sleeping better, and even making healthier choices without really trying.

And if you stick with it, who knows? It might just change your life.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up for yourself, every day, even for a few minutes. You deserve it.

Take care, and let me know how it goes.

Until next time,

Warmly, The Good Positive Team

NEWS
Parents Under Pressure

Well, I don’t know if you’re still a parent or not, but here’s the news if you could still relate to parenting.

Is parenting a bit too much?

The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, recently said that parents today are facing stress levels that can be downright dangerous.

He’s a dad himself and knows how tough it can be.

In fact, 41% of parents feel so stressed most days that they struggle to function, and nearly half find it overwhelming.

Social media, youth mental health issues, and loneliness are all piling on the pressure.

Murthy suggests that we need a cultural shift, parents should feel supported, not ashamed.

He’s pushing for better policies, like affordable childcare and mental health resources.

Raising kids is sacred work, and it’s something that should matter to all of us. What do you think? Could we do more to support parents?

Let’s make it a priority. Share this newsletter to a parent who needs to see this. Thanks

Read more about this news.

WORD OF THE DAY
A word that I came across… “Sati”

Have you heard of "Sati (smriti in Sanskrit)"?

It’s an ancient word from Pali, meaning mindfulness.

Think of it like this: You’re sitting with your thoughts, fully aware of them, but not letting them control you. It’s like watching a movie, you’re in it, but not really.

Sati is about being present in the moment, right here, right now.

Awareness of each passing moment, both within and around us, brings less stress and anxiety and fosters a deeper sense of ease with us.

You know, life gets busy, and we often forget to just be. So, next time your mind starts wandering, try a little Sati.

How often do you let yourself simply exist?

INTERESTING
Captured…

This way, you preserve your peace while making progress.

BOOK OF THE DAY
The Power of Now

You know how your mind's always racing?

Well, "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle says that's not you. It's just... thoughts. The real you? It's deeper. It's the part that notices those thoughts.

Think about it. When you're stressed, where are you? In your head, right? Worrying about stuff that might happen. Or reliving stuff that already did.

But what if you could step back? Just... breathe. Feel the air in your lungs. Notice the world around you. That's being present. That's mindfulness.

It's not easy. Your mind will wander. But that's okay. Just bring it back. Again and again.

Here’s a quick insight I gained about mindfulness from this book.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”

Think about this quote by — Thich Nhat Hanh.

This quote shows how emotions come and go, and how mindfulness can help us handle them.

It compares emotions to clouds, highlighting that they are temporary and not solid.

Just like clouds move across the sky, our feelings can change quickly.

The quote also talks about conscious breathing as an "anchor" that keeps us steady during emotional ups and downs.

By focusing on our breath, we stay grounded in the present, which brings a sense of calm.

Next time you're caught up in the wind of thoughts, try this, breathe in, feel the air fill your lungs, and let it out slowly.

Practical demonstration: The 4-7-8 breathing technique involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds.

Notice how everything slows down…

This mindful breathing helps us notice our emotions without getting carried away by them, building emotional strength and inner peace.

Q&A
Q: "What’s a short practical example of mindfulness?

A: It's not just a buzzword.

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment. You focus on what's happening right now. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Just now.

It's like... you know when you're eating your favorite food? And you really taste it? That's mindfulness. You're not thinking about work or bills. You're just... there. With your food.

Some people think it's hard. But it's not. It's simple. You just pay attention. To your breath. To sounds around you. To how your body feels.

Why bother? Well, it can help you feel calmer. More focused. Less stressed. Maybe even happier.

Give it a try. What do you notice right now?

THE GOOD POSITIVE BLOG
This Week’s Blog Update…

Popular articles trending on the good positive blog…

COMMUNITY
Hey there!

I hope this Thursday's issue of The Good Positive Newsletter brings you inspiration.

Your thoughts mean the world to us, and we’re always looking to make your experience even brighter.

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Help us to help you better. We are waiting to hear any negative or positive feedback from you; please share.

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“Your feedback is the heartbeat of our community, helping us grow and spread positivity more effectively.” Thanks!

IMPORTANT NOTICE

MEDICAL INFORMATION DISCLAIMER

This newsletter is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified health care provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it due to information found in this newsletter.