Bring mindfulness into your Day
In our busy lives we constantly have our head full or thoughts about the future or about the past - what are we going to do next or what are we going to become or how well or badly we just did. This means we're often not that aware of what is around us, and what happening in the here and now.
Being mindful means being more fully aware of what is around us - what we can see, hear, touch and taste. And what is happening inside - our thoughts and feelings. It's about learning to observe all this but not getting caught up in thinking or worrying about it, so being able to choose what we then attend to.
Being mindful is not as easy as it sounds. It is a habit that you have to develop. On that note, we have put together a list of habits that can helped in your quest to be more mindful.
#1 Sit in the morning
The morning offers a great opportunity to practice your mindfulness. The day is just beginning, it is nice and quiet, and you may have a few moments to yourself. Instead of getting out of bed and rushing through a morning routine, I like to sit for a few minutes. I think about being thankful for the day and just let myself be in the present.
You might just choose to sit on the couch and concentrate on controlled breathing, or can also take up meditation. I find that doing so helps me to start each day off with the right frame of mind.
#2 Eat mindfully
When was the last time you truly appreciated a meal? It’s understandable. Your life is busy, and as a result, eating has become something done in passing. We have fast food restaurants we can drive through and eat as we drive even. Instead, I encourage you to try slowing down, making food yourself, and eating purposefully. Choose live foods with a variety of different colors, textures, and flavors. Take the time to really chew and appreciate each bite. Doing so is better for your digestion and can be a very enjoyable and relaxing time.
#3 Spend time outside
Spending a little time outdoors can be another way to achieve mindfulness, and you don’t need to go to a far-off retreat to get the desired results. All you have to do is take a walk around your neighborhood. If you have some nice trails, parks, or green spaces, they can make the perfect environment for getting in touch with nature and for connecting with the present moment. Observe what you see on your walk, how the weather feels, what you hear, and what you smell.
#4 Focus on one task at a time
I used to think that it was efficient to take on as many tasks as I could. It is almost intuitive to believe that it is better to do more at once, but it is not true. By dividing your attention up for multiple tasks, you are not giving any of them the attention that they need. In fact, studies have found that multitasking increases the possibility of mistakes and it takes longer than doing the tasks separately.
Take one task at a time and put your focus on the task at hand. When you are done, take a short break and then tackle the next task. It is a more relaxed and mindful way to get things done, and it will likely improve your performance.
#5 Create Something
If you have a creative hobby, this can also be a good opportunity to practice mindfulness. Spend some time doing what you enjoy and just be in the moment of creation. Whether you like to draw, paint, build, or take photographs, your creative side is mindful by its very nature. As an additional point, the practice of mindfulness can encourage creativity. When you are taking a walk or meditating, you may find that new and creative ideas come to you more easily.
#6 Meditate
In a sense, meditation is the art of mindfulness. In meditating, you are taking the time to connect with your mind. It does take some time to practice controlled breathing and to shutout all of the distractions, but it can be beneficial in so many ways. Along with it being a time for mindfulness, it can also be great for relaxation and stress relief.
What's great is it's a skill that anyone can learn and benefit from. It is very simple, and need take only a few minutes a day. But it does take a bit of practice and it may be hard at first. Keep at it and you'll feel the benefits in many areas of your life.
Reference:
https://projecthappiness.mykajabi.com/blog