Mindfulness vs. Meditation: A Guide for Better Mental Well-Being

Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed?

Do you struggle to stay focused in your daily life? 

If so, you may benefit from practicing mindfulness and meditation. 

Both practices have been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and concentration, and enhancing overall well-being. And in this article, we'll introduce these concepts, explain their differences, and explore how they can work together to benefit you.

Are Mindfulness and Meditation the Same Thing? 

Mindfulness and meditation are two practices that can help improve your mental well-being. Although they are often used interchangeably, it's important to understand their differences.

Mindfulness is a state of being fully present and engaged in the moment, without judgment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings with an open mind, and accepting them as they are.

Meditation, on the other hand, is a practice that can help you cultivate mindfulness. It typically involves setting aside a dedicated amount of time for deep breathing, visualization meditation, body scan meditation, or some other meditative technique. The goal of meditation is to train your mind to focus and quiet down, so that you can become more aware of your thoughts and emotions.

While mindfulness and meditation share similarities, they have different goals. 

Mindfulness aims to enhance your awareness of the present moment, so that you can develop a greater sense of clarity and calmness in your daily life. It's about learning to be fully engaged in whatever you're doing, rather than having a wandering mind.

Meditation aims to cultivate inner peace and tranquility by training your mind to focus and let go of distractions. By reducing stress and anxiety, meditation can also improve your physical health and overall well-being.

In short, mindfulness is being aware of the present moment, and meditation is a practice that can help you achieve that state. And by incorporating both practices into your daily routine, you can cultivate a greater sense of awareness, calmness, and clarity in your life.

Your “Doing Mind” vs. Your “Being Mind”

In mindfulness, there is an active engagement with the present moment, often referred to as the "doing mind." This involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in any given moment with an open and non-judgmental attitude. For example, you can practice mindfulness while walking or doing household chores.

In meditation, the focus is on inner observation and cultivating a state of "being mind." This involves training your mind to focus and quiet down, so that you can become more aware of your inner thoughts and emotions. For example, you can practice different types of meditation through breath awareness or body scan meditation.

Whether you prefer to activate your “doing mind” or your “being mind,” all that matters is that you find a practice that works for you. You can also do these practices at different times of the day—for example, some people may prefer to start their day with meditation to set a positive tone, and then incorporate mindfulness throughout their day to stay present and focused.

How You Can Incorporate Mindfulness and Meditation Into Your Daily Routine

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life can be a powerful way to improve your mental well-being. Here are some tips for incorporating mindfulness into your everyday activities: 

• Pay attention to your breath while you're walking: Focus on the sensation of air moving in and out of your body with each step you take.
• Practice mindful eating: Take time to savor each bite, noticing the flavors and textures of the food. Avoid multitasking while eating, such as watching TV or scrolling through social media.
• Use a mindfulness app: There are many apps available that offer mindfulness exercises you can use throughout the day. If you’re looking for a meditation app to try out, give Balance a try. It’s available on iOS or Android and it’s free for your entire first year. 

The Balance app is also a wonderful meditation tool. And if you need guidance on setting aside dedicated time for meditation, we have a few tips for that too: 

• Find a quiet space: It can be helpful to create a designated space in your home where you can practice meditation without distractions. This could be a spare room, a corner of your bedroom, or even just a cushion in a quiet corner.
• Start with a few minutes: If you're new to meditation, start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the amount of time as you become more comfortable.
• Stick to a regular practice: Consistency is key when it comes to developing a meditation practice. Set aside a specific time each day for meditation, whether it's first thing in the morning or before bed.

And remember, both mindfulness and meditation can be practiced at any time, and even a small amount of time dedicated to various forms of mindfulness and meditation each day can have a big impact on your mental health and well-being. 

The Combined Power of Mindfulness and Meditation

When used together, mindfulness and meditation can offer a more holistic approach to mental well-being. By cultivating awareness of the present moment through mindfulness, you can become more attuned to your thoughts and emotions. And by using meditation to cultivate calmness and focus, you can develop greater control over your mind and emotions.

That’s what we like to call a win-win. 

But don’t just take our word for it. There are many testimonials and case studies that highlight the effectiveness of combining mindfulness and meditation practices for improved mental health. 

As one example, one study found that a mindfulness-based stress reduction program combined with meditation was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with generalized anxiety disorder.

Start Meditating Today

Now that you understand the basics of mindfulness and meditation, it's time to take the next step in your mental well-being journey. Are you ready?

Take a few deep breaths, and consider downloading the Balance app on iOS or Android. Balance offers guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, personalized programs, and expert advice, and it’s all free for your entire first year. So start your journey toward more mindful living today!

Related Articles

How Long Should You Meditate? Finding the Right Balance for Your Practice

• The benefits of meditation depend on consistency, not duration. Keep reading for tips on deciding how long you should meditate.

Starting Your Day With Serentiy: The Importance and Benefits of Morning Meditation

• Morning meditation is an effective way to set the tone for your day. Learn more about its benefits. 

Cultivating Mindfulness for Kids: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

• Help the little ones in your life build a lifelong habit of mindfulness in this comprehensive guide.