Chocolate

Chocolates, especially dark chocolates, are known to be loaded with so much nutrients that affects your body positively. Chocolates are made from cocoa tree, which is a great source of antioxidant. Chocolates has different variety but the one that can promise much benefits is the Dark Chocolate.  Chocolates are known to improve a person’s cognitive function and can actually make you feel happier.

Benefits of Chocolate

We often talk about the health benefits of mindfulness, now we get to know how chocolates affect the mind and the body for the better. Here are some proven benefits of eating dark chocolates:

• Makes You Happy – Dark chocolates can boost the production of the endorphins in your brain! “Endorphins” is a chemical released by the brain that is the cause of feelings of happiness and euphoria. Also, endorphins can lower down the pain and alleviate the negative effects of stress that a person is feeling.

• Improves Brain Blood Flow – Improving the blood flow of the brain leads to better memory, attention span, reaction time and problem-solving skills. Also, it can decrease your chances of having mental decline or any brain-related problem in the future.

• Relieves Stress – Everyone hates stress, right? Chocolates reduces your stress level by suppressing the release of Cortisol inside your brain.

• Controls Cravings – Ironic, right? Many people crave for chocolates, but it can also control your cravings! High-quality dark chocolates are known to satiate your appetite and help you make good choices and lose weight. Eating chocolates while losing weight? Not bad.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is quite popular these days because of its accessibility and you don’t need to spend anything to be able to do it. It is also ideal for people who doesn’t have so much time in their hands as you can practice it anytime, and anywhere.  Mindfulness is a term used to refer to a psychological state of awareness. It promotes the awareness of a person through information processing. Meditation practices such as yoga, tai chi and qigong were developed through the practice of mindfulness meditation.

Is Mindfulness Better Than Chocolate?

The answer is YES. Aside from helping you de-stress. Mindfulness has a lot of benefits for you. Starting from your mind, to your body and even your health. Mindfulness covers anything. If you are having difficulty sleeping, practicing mindfulness can make you feel rested. If you are feeling anxious because of something, mindfulness has a way to reduce the anxiety that you are feeling. Mindfulness, if done correctly, is also used in treating people with depression. Lastly, Mindfulness can manage chronic pain and improve a person’s cognition and attention. Mindfulness is so much better than chocolate as it is not only free but you can do it anytime and anywhere!

Chocolate Meditation

You can also try combining the two! Chocolate Meditation is actually a thing. Here’s how you can do it:

• Get a piece of chocolate – Preferably, dark chocolate as it has much benefits than other varieties of chocolates.  You don’t need to take a big chunk of chocolate, bite-sized chocolates are enough.

• Relax your body – Take a few deep breaths and remove the tension on your muscles. It is better to start your meditation as physically relaxed as possible. You may close your eyes for you to feel more comfortable.

• Use your senses – Savor the aroma of the chocolate, take a look at it and see how your taste buds react to the flavor of the chocolates. Let it stay on your tongue and let it melt on your mouth.

• Focus on sensations – As you swallow the chocolate, feel it as it goes down your throat. Notice how your mouth feels empty after. Take a second bite and notice how your arm feels as you raise the chocolate to your mouth.

• Re-focus on the present – If some thoughts start entering your mind, gently re-focus your attention to the flavors and sensations associated with the chocolate. As much as possible, try to enjoy the present moment.

• Savor the feeling – Once you’re done meditating using chocolate, revisit the feeling throughout the day and you will notice that you’ll be more relaxed. Resume your daily activities afterwards and enjoy your day.