In our busy lives mindfulness gives us a break from the noise and helps us find some peace inside. Mindfulness helps us pay attention to what is happening right now which can lower stress and make us feel better overall. Meditation gets a lot of attention but there are plenty of other ways to bring mindfulness into your everyday life without having to sit on the floor for a long time.
Begin by focusing on your breath.
A really easy way to practice mindfulness is by paying attention to your breathing. You can do this practice anywhere and it doesn't take a long time. You can begin with just a few minutes no matter where you find yourself. Start by breathing in deeply through your nose. Hold it for a second and then let it out slowly through your mouth. Pay attention to how the air comes in and goes out of your body. Doing this can help you focus and pull your mind away from all the noise around you so you can pay attention to what’s happening right now.
Eating with awareness
Having meals is a great chance to focus on being present. Take your time when you eat and really enjoy every bite instead of hurrying or doing other things at the same time. Pay attention to how your food tastes feels and smells. Take your time while eating and think about how the food is good for you. Doing this helps you enjoy your food more and can also make it easier to digest while keeping you from eating too much.
Make mindfulness a part of your everyday activities.
Doing daily tasks can surprisingly help you focus and be present. As you wash the dishes pay attention to how the water and soap feel against your hands. While you vacuum pay attention to how the machine moves and the different surfaces you feel beneath your feet. When you pay attention to everyday tasks it can make them feel special and help you notice more of what’s happening around you.
Moving while thinking quietly
Walking meditation offers a lively way to meditate instead of just sitting still. It helps you connect with your surroundings while you move. Pick a calm path you know well and stroll along, noticing how your feet touch the ground. Pay attention to how your feet feel when they leave the ground and float in the air before coming back down. Doing this helps you pay attention to the moment and feel more in tune with what’s around you which can make you feel calmer and more focused.
Paying attention when someone talks
When we talk to each other we usually think more about what we want to say instead of really paying attention to what the other person is saying. Mindful listening means really focusing on the person talking to you. It’s about paying attention to what they say and also how they say it along with their feelings and gestures. Hold off on making any quick decisions and try not to jump in while someone is talking. When you focus on really hearing what others say you build stronger connections and get to know them better.
A meditation practice that focuses on scanning your body.
The body scan meditation is a way to focus your mind on different parts of your body to notice any feelings tension or pain. Begin with your toes and gradually move up your body taking a little time on each section before going to the next one. Doing this can really help you notice the stress you might not even realize you are carrying so you can let it go and feel more at ease.
Keeping a journal to write down things you are thankful for
Wrapping up your day by thinking about what you are thankful for can really help you be more aware of the present moment. At the end of the day take a moment to jot down three things that made you feel thankful. Thinking about the good times helps you stop dwelling on the bad stuff and encourages you to enjoy what’s happening right now.
You can add these mindfulness techniques to your daily life without having to completely change what you already do. Making small changes over time can help your brain learn to be more aware and present which can make your life feel more satisfying and peaceful.
No comments:
Post a Comment