Mindfulness means that you are aware of what you are doing. You aren’t distracted by thinking about what needs to happen next. Instead, you are awake and alive in the present moment. That sounds rather enticing, right? Turns out, mindfulness can be a bit harder to achieve than just willing it to happen. However, with the right frame of mind and bit of perseverance, mindfulness can create a more relaxed you.
Too much screen time
It’s said over and over again, but it’s time to put the smart phone down. While these amazing devices have benefitted our lives is so many ways, the truth is that they are just far too distracting. When is the last time you watched an entire movie without looking at your phone? Do you have two types of TV shows that you watch: ones that need your attention and ones that are just on the background while you’re on your phone?
Yes, even watching TV can be a mindful activity. The next time that you plan on watching a show, especially if it’s with another person, put the phone away. If you can, place it in an entirely separate room so that there is no temptation.
Organize your life
Do you have a to-do list? Are you constantly agonizing over what still needs to be done, especially as you’re trying to enjoy a pleasurable activity? Spend some time thinking about how to better organize your life. Perhaps you need a dedicated time of the day where you tidy things up. Maybe you need to enlist the help of a partner to get things done. Whatever is the case, make it so that you can enjoy what you’re doing in the moment, rather than stressing about what still needs to be done.
Take time to sit
Ever start to feel antsy when all you’re doing is sitting? Even when taking public transportation, do you just sit, or do you need to read a newspaper or be on your phone? It’s ok to not have something to distract you from your thoughts.
So, when there’s a sunny afternoon, pour yourself a mug of tea, and just sit. Feel the sun on your skin. Breathe the fresh air. Listen to the birds chirping. This is your time and you should enjoy it.
Start small
Now that you have an idea of what mindfulness looks like, you might be wondering how to add it to your already full life. The great think about being mindful is that you can start small. Even just a few minutes a day where you stop and appreciate what is happening will allow you to practice this skill. And, like most skills, the more your practice, the better you will become at it.