Build meaningful connections through mindfulness

Mindfulness and social connection 

Integrating mindfulness practice into day-to-day life can help veterans to improve their health and wellbeing through engagement in social situations.  

Social connection is crucial for veterans and families as they transition from the Defence Force. 

Connecting with other veterans and Defence families through shared experiences can help to reduce the stigma of mental health in the Defence community, providing understanding and an outlet that leads to increased motivation and resilience. It can also help decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

However, it can be overwhelming and stressful at times when engaging in social connection activities or situations. By bringing awareness to our emotions and wellbeing, and ground ourselves and become more present, mindfulness can help to support meaningful social connections with others.  

It can help us understand and be more aware of how we are feeling and bring our attention to the source of these emotions.  

As well as supporting your social health, mindfulness can also:

• Reduce stress
• Improve emotional regulation
• Increase self-awareness
• Boost immune system
• Lower blood pressure
• Improve sleep
• Reduce social anxiety
• Foster a more positive level of wellbeing, acceptance, and contentment. 

Tips for practicing mindfulness 

Some tips to help encourage mindfulness and ground you in any situation include: 

• Focus on being consciously and fully ‘present’ in the social situation. This might involve really focusing on what someone is saying without being distracted by what you want to say in reply. 
• Acknowledge unhelpful thoughts but try not to let them get in the way of being in the moment.
• If the situation becomes overwhelming, take some time out to do a simple grounding exercise such as focusing on the connection between your feet and the floor. This may allow you to then refocus on being fully present.  

Support at Mates4Mates 

Mates4Mates psychologists, counsellors and social workers are available to provide mental health support to help veterans and family members improve their mental health and wellbeing. They can provide advice and guidance on how to improve mindfulness practices in your everyday life. 

To help veterans and families socially connect with like-minded others, Mates4Mates also offers regular social connection activities across Australia. These activities include bike riding, arts and crafts, coffee catch ups, walks and more, all in a safe and supportive environment.   

To find out more, reach out to Mates4Mates on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.   

 

Written by Sharron Jones, Mates4Mates Counsellor