What Is Mindfulness? Why It Matters & How to Practice It
Mindfulness has become a buzzword in recent years, frequently mentioned by healthcare professionals, wellness bloggers, and social media influencers alike.
But what exactly is mindfulness? Is it the same as meditation? And why is it relevant to mental health?
Whether you want clarity on the meaning of mindfulness, the distinction between mindfulness and meditation, or the practical benefits of mindfulness, this guide breaks it down step by step and aims to answer all questions by combining insights from two different perspectives.
Mindfulness Definition & Psychology Explained
Mindfulness, in psychological terms, refers to the practice of paying attention (on purpose) to the present moment, without judgment. It’s about observing your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surroundings with curiosity, rather than getting caught up in them.
Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer of secular mindfulness, defined it as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally”. From a psychological perspective, mindfulness fosters metacognition - our ability to observe our internal experience - and emotional regulation through thoughtful awareness meditation.
In other words, mindfulness is awareness. It involves noticing our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and anything that is around us and happening to us right now. It's about turning the spotlights inwards and focusing on the 'here & now.'
Mindfulness vs Meditation: What’s the Difference?
The most common form of mindfulness is meditation. However, you don't have to meditate to start implementing mindfulness into your life. While meditation is a structured practice that involves becoming present in the moment and aware of your thoughts, internal dialogue, and current surroundings, mindfulness can be practised in everyday moments.
Just realise that these terms are not interchangeable, even though many use them as if they are.
- Mindfulness: A moment-to-moment state of awareness, which you can cultivate in everyday life, like walking, eating, and even washing dishes.
- Meditation: A formal practice, often done sitting in stillness, where you direct attention to breath, sound, or the body to train focus and cultivate mindfulness over time.
In short, meditation means practising mindfulness, but mindfulness doesn’t require meditation.
Mindfulness vs Meditation: Quick Comparison Summary
Mindfulness
Awareness in daily life (e.g. eating, walking)
Can happen anytime
Focuses on moment-to-moment presence
Helps reduce rumination and reactivity
Meditation
Formal practice with intention
Usually done sitting, for a fixed duration
A tool used to develop mindfulness
Builds concentration and calm
This distinction helps clarify when someone asks, “ What is mindfulness vs meditation”, or “define meditation”.
Why Mindfulness Matters: Key Benefits
Daily mindfulness practice has been shown to increase focus, improve performance and overall mental health, and increase emotional intelligence. It has been used extensively by successful sporting teams around the world, including the Australian cricket team, the Sydney Swans, and the Chicago Bulls.
A growing body of research demonstrates the benefits of mindfulness for mental and physical health:
- Reduces stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression by calming the autonomic nervous system and changing habitual reactivity
- Improves sleep quality by reducing intrusive thoughts and rumination
- Enhances emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility (the ability to adapt to change)
- Reduces physical pain and lowers blood pressure
- Boosts attention, mental clarity, and reduces burnout in therapeutic populations and everyday life
How to Practice Being Mindful
You don’t need a meditation cushion to be mindful. There are many accessible ways to practice:
Mindful Moments
If a mindfulness exercise seems like too much to start with, try creating some 'mindful moments.' Instead of going through the day on autopilot, take a few moments throughout the day to check in with yourself.
Notice how you're feeling, what you're thinking, and how this is impacting you.
For example, you might take 30 seconds to check in with yourself before a work presentation or perhaps before having a difficult conversation with a loved one.
Formal Mindfulness Meditation
- Choose a quiet spot.
- Focus on your breath, body scan, or sensations.
- Notice thoughts or feelings without judgment - return to breath gently.
Informal Mindfulness (Anywhere, Anytime)
- Bring full attention to everyday actions like eating or walking, noticing textures, sounds, and smells.
- Use sensory grounding techniques - e.g., identify 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, etc.
Mindfulness Apps
For those interested in guided practices, several apps, such as Headspace and Smiling Mind, offer mindfulness exercises. These platforms are excellent starting points for those new to the practice.
Short Practice Examples
- Three-minute breathing space: Stop, breathe, and notice your body.
- Mindful dishwashing: Focus on warm water, soap, and movement.
- Walking mindfulness: Feel each footstep and your posture SELF.
These simple practices build the skill of mindfulness psychology over time.
Mindfulness Techniques You Can Start Today
Want to begin a practice? Try these widely studied techniques:
- Body scan meditation: Slowly turn attention from your toes to your head
- Loving-kindness meditation: Send compassionate thoughts to yourself and others
- Noting practice: Mentally label thoughts (“thinking”, “feeling”) without engaging
- Mindful breathing: Observe inhale and exhale, gently returning focus when distracted
- Walking meditation: Focus on footfalls and the environment
Why Should Men, In Particular, Care About Mindfulness?
At Blokes Psychology, we often see men struggling with anxiety, stress, or emotional numbness. Incorporating mindfulness into therapy helps:
- Build self-awareness safely
- Interrupt automatic stress reactivity
- Increase clarity in thinking under pressure
- Regulate emotional reactions in relationships and parenting
It’s not about sitting still - it’s about becoming more intentional in how you experience life.
Mindfulness Psychology in Therapy
Our therapists integrate mindfulness psychology into evidence-based models, such as MBSR and MBCT, helping clients build resilience, reduce emotional reactivity, and cope with stress or depression.
Whether you're exploring what mindfulness is for men or working with a psychologist who incorporates it into treatment, Blokes Psychology offers a grounded and relatable approach to mindful healing.
Need Support in Learning Mindfulness?
If you're interested in starting or deepening a mindfulness practice, whether through therapy or one-on-one coaching, our psychologists at Blokes Psychology can guide you. We offer sessions at our clinics in Cheltenham, Hawthorn, and Scoresby, as well as Telehealth across Australia.
Book a session or contact us to explore how mindfulness psychology can support your mental wellness.
