How to add mindfulness in your daily life
Happy new year ! Ready to be in the present in 2024 ?
If you feel like you are always in a rush, juggling between work, family and many other things or feel like your day went by so fast that you didn’t realize it. Practicing mindfulness in your daily life can be a great tool to help slow down.
Mindfulness is all about slowing down and being aware of our thoughts and feelings. Taking a few minutes during your day to be mindful can change how you see things in your life.
There are many ways to be mindful in your everyday life. Mindfulness meditation was just one of them.
In today’s blog post you will find 5 ways to be mindful through the day
Waking up
When you wake up in the morning, instead of checking your phone or getting out of your bed abruptly.
Take a few minutes before standing up.
- Sit on your bed and pay attention to how you feel, and the different sensations in your body.
- Take 3 long, deep breaths
- Close your eyes and for 2 to 5 minutes visualize your day with as many details as possible.
For example: If you have a meeting today think about how you want this meeting to go - Get out of your bed and 1 or 2 minutes to stretch your body
Eating
How many of us ate our meals in 5 minutes without taking the time to fully savor it ? Yet eating is one the most enjoyable experiences and it can be even better if you eat your meal while being mindful.
Try this:
- Bring your attention to your breathing. Take from 7 to 10 deep breaths before you start eating.
- Notice how your body feels, ask yourself how hungry you are and eat considering your hunger.
- Notice how your meal looks, smells.
- While eating pay attention to the taste, the texture and how much enjoyment you are getting from your meal
Taking a break
Most of the time we are on autopilot and think that to be productive we have to work without taking a break.
Mindfulness is the exact opposite. During your day it’s essential to pause to recharge your brain.
Walking
Spending time in nature is a great way to practice mindfulness. There are some things you can do to transform a simple walk into a mindful walk.
- Focus on each step and how you are feeling.
- Listen to the sounds around you.
- Take the time to look at your surroundings, notice the different smell. Try to see the beauty around you.
Focus on your senses
Our senses keep us in the present. At any time during your day you can pay attention to what is going on and what you are doing by bringing your focus on sensations.
For example:
- When doing your skincare, pay attention to the color, smell and texture of the products you are using.
- While brushing your teeth, notice the taste of your toothpaste, the movement you are doing with your toothbrush
In your everyday life you can practice mindfulness and slow down to cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and your surroundings to really appreciate the present.
The practice of mindfulness is a long journey. Be patient and consistent if you want to see a positive change in your life.
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