Today’s world is full of fear and stress. The new normal dictates that we can no longer go back to how we live before. People are still dying despite the numerous efforts of the government and health experts. We continue to isolate ourselves from others, even our loved ones. Even the way we work, play and entertain ourselves changes.
These days, it is crucial that we take better care of ourselves, especially our mental health. Aside from living a healthy and active lifestyle, it also helps to live mindfully each day. Living a mindful lifestyle allows us to ease our worries and live for the moment while building resilience.
Living a mindful lifestyle enables us to live in the present. During this fast-paced world, it pays to stop so that we can really focus on the experience. Being mindful can help improve our health, reduce our stress levels, and really live in the moment.
Practicing Mindfulness during Stressful Times
Imagine yourself preparing for your wedding day. You got everything ready, including the venue, catering, bridal makeup artists, your loved ones, even the one conducting the ceremony ready. But still, you stress about every little detail, which eventually increases your stress levels.
Practicing mindfulness during these important events can help you really focus on what is happening. Instead of stressing over things that can go wrong, clear your thoughts, delegate tasks beforehand, and practice gratitude. These and other mindful practices can help you make the most out of your special day.
Remember that to live mindfully is to avoid worrying about the worst-case scenarios. Let go of your worries and focus on the things you can control instead. Worrying only consumes your thoughts, clouds your judgment, and conditions you to act on impulse without much thought.
Practicing Mindfulness in Your Everyday Life
Trying to change your mindset by living mindfully each day is never easy. It requires a lot of effort, patience, and dedication. Working consciously will enable us to reap the benefits of mindful leaving.
The following are just a few ways you can start being more mindful each day.
Give Others Your Undivided Attention
When was the last time you talked to your kids, partner, parents, or friends without glancing at your phone? Maybe you are guilty of mindless scrolling on your phone while on a dinner date, during reunions, or while your kids are trying to tell you something. Try locking your phone, stop everything you are doing and offer them your undivided attention.
Try to listen to their stories without interrupting. Offer your genuine interest in what they have to share. Instead of offering your unsolicited advice, wait for their cues telling you they want your opinion.
Mind What and How You Eat
Many of us are guilty of doing different other things while we eat. Ask yourself when was the last time you ate without checking your phone o watching your favorite shows? When was the last time you ate your dinner while working on your laptop or while on your way home from work?
Mindful eating is paying attention to how you eat and what you put inside your body. Instead of simply ordering fast food, go grocery shopping and prepare your own home-cooked meals. Pay closer attention to every ingredient you use so you can avoid eating more fat, sugar, and salt than needed.
Make Pausing a Habit
It may seem like a waste of time taking a break every time you need to move on to your next activity. But in reality, this can help you enjoy the little things and think about just how blessed you really are. Even a few minutes of yoga, focusing on your breathing, and really checking out your surroundings can make a big difference.
Every time you feel like you could use a break, stop, sit down, and rest for a bit. You can consider walking outdoors while being surrounded by nature. Everything you feel stressed out, give your mind and body enough time to regenerate by practicing mindfulness exercises.
Practice Mindfulness Using Different Activities
There are lots of opportunities each day to practice mindfulness. For one, you can consider outdoor activities where you can breathe in the fresh air, be with nature more, and enjoy wildlife. If going on a trip is not an option, you can always practice mindfulness in your hometown.
For instance, gardening and hiking in your local trails is always a good start. You can even use cleaning as a way to get your daily exercise. Just make sure to reward yourself afterward to congratulate yourself for doing a great job at the end of each day.
Many are guilty of trying so hard to catch up in today’s fast-paced world. But making time to be mindful is a good way to ensure we stay happy, healthy, and sane. We can also use mindfulness to get head in everything we do while improving our relationships with others.
