If you are efficient, engaging, and enjoying life, you’re likely to be experiencing mindfulness. It can be difficult being mindful in this busy world though, where you are expected to do more and complete it yesterday. Being busy, distracted or trying to multitask and not completing any task satisfactorily, can indicate that you are mind-full. You may be finding it difficult to focus, be constantly worrying, or feeling stressed and anxious. It can be a vicious cycle. Your thoughts can create more thoughts until you’re so overwhelmed you can only see things in a negative manner.
There is another way.
Being mindful allows you to live in the present moment, be aware of your surroundings, observe what is happening without judgement, and experience a ‘want to’ instead of a ‘have to’ attitude. When you’re mindful you’re aware of your thoughts and feelings, and more able to make conscious decisions. When you are focused on the now, you can engage fully on the moment, person, or task in front of you.
Try these tips to create mindful moments:
- When you wake in the morning, take 2 minutes to simply notice your breathing. If thoughts come into your mind, acknowledge them, put them to the side and refocus on your breathing. Doing this each day will help relax you into the day. This exercise can be practiced at any time of day to create a mindful moment, not just mornings.
- When eating ensure you’re seated and put your devices away. Focus on the flavours, aromas, colours, and textures of your food. Savour every mouthful of food to stretch out the pleasure of eating.
- When someone is talking to you, remove all distractions, including your phone, and really listen to what the person is saying. This will show you are fully present and value what they are saying.
Being mindful is a purposeful pause that allows you to reduce your stress and anxiety and enhance your ability to connect with yourself and others.