Along with meditation and yoga, actively practicing mindfulness can really bring harmony and sense to your life. So, what is mindfulness? Essentially, it means being completely and totally in the moment with whatever you’re doing, whether you are driving to work or cooking dinner. Instead of drifting off into another world where you are surrounded by homework, deadlines, anxiety and stress, being mindful means ridding yourself of those distractions and simply being present. Now, I understand that this is way easier said than done. I know that if I am taking the dog for a walk, sometimes I start planning out what I need to buy for dinner that night or mentally scheduling the rest of the week. Lately, though, I have been actively trying to clear my mind and instead embracing the moment. Here are some tips and tricks you’re going to need if you want to start being more mindful.
1. Pay attention to your breathing. Obviously it’s a very natural thing to do, but have you ever noticed sometimes you will sigh more frequently or start breathing more rapidly when you’re stressed? Take note of that and work with your body – what is it telling you that you need? If you’re stressed, take a few deep breaths and wait until it picks up its natural rhythm again. Even if the moment strikes at an inconvenient moment, like at a work meeting, make sure you acknowledge it.
2. Listen to your friends and family. Put down the phone! Stop texting! Unplug for the evening! We tend to take for granted the ones closest to us. Have you ever been in the middle of a serious conversation and then reached for your phone mindlessly? It’s a very twenty first century problem – we scroll, tap and type our way through important meetings and moments. It needs to stop, and an easy way to start implementing tech free nights is by getting everyone you are surrounded by on board. If you are at a family dinner, make everyone put their phones in a basket and put it out of arms’ reach. That way you are more likely to engage and connect.
3. Connect with your body. This means not only being mindful of what you are putting in your mouth, but also taking into consideration your own emotions and feelings. When I am having a particularly difficult day, instead of ignoring it or spending the next few hours mindlessly scrolling and eating, I will force myself to listen to the pain I am feeling. What do I really need at this moment? Is it a sandwich or some time to myself to unwind? The more In-tune with your body you become, the easier it is to be mindful in your everyday life.
Practicing mindfulness should be one of the first steps you take to get to know yourself better. You’ll have to deal with some of your own personal problems as well as problems with people in your immediate circle. Once you start delving deep into issues and really have to be present in the moment (even if it is an uncomfortable one) you will soon come to the realization that being at peace with yourself is a necessity in the world we live in.
