Life is hectic and there are more than enough things to worry about in a day. Appointments, work deadlines, kids’ extra-curriculars… Honestly, we’re spinning just thinking about it. We’ve become expert multitaskers at the high price of losing our peace of mind. (And that stress can contribute to acne!)
Mindfulness — in a sense — is a path back to ourselves. In practice, mindfulness involves simply paying attention to the present moment, being aware of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and surroundings while ditching outside distractions. It is the antithesis of multitasking.
Sounds simple enough, right? But why is this such a big deal and why should we care? For one, mindfulness can help reduce stress and increase overall well-being. When you're mindful, you're better able to recognize and cope with negative emotions, rather than getting swept up in them. This can lead to a more positive outlook on life, and who doesn't want that?
But mindfulness isn't just about feeling good. It can also improve your relationships, help you make better decisions, and even boost your memory. Yes, you read that right - mindfulness can make you smarter.
So how do you get in on this mindfulness craze and where do you find the time?
Here are some simple ways you can incorporate mindfulness into your day-to-day life that may already be a part of your routine.
Take a mindful walk.
Try to pay attention to your surroundings and focus on the sensation of your feet hitting the ground. If you prefer listening to a podcast whilst on your walk, check out The Mindful Minute and 10% Happier.
Practice mindful breathing.
Take a few minutes to focus on your breath. You can do this while sitting at your desk, standing in line, or even while driving.
Do a mindful task.
When doing something that doesn't require much thinking, like washing dishes, folding clothes or vacuuming, focus only on the task at hand.
Mindful listening.
When you're having a conversation, try to really listen to the other person and be present in the conversation instead of thinking about what you're going to say next.
It may sound daunting at first but don’t fret, you can be a mindfulness guru in no time. Start simple with just one of these techniques and build from there. Before you know it, you will be reaping the benefits of practicing mindfulness.
