Harden Elkington
Mindfulness is a popular buzzword these days, signifying a way of living in the present that many of us desire, even as we chastise ourselves for zoning out, forgetting something, or wasting time on our phones.
We tend to think of mindfulness as a difficult goal that needs dedication and maybe new clothing or a special cushion. However, none of these things are necessary to be more mindful. That’s why many people still misunderstand about mindfulness.
You can easily bring mindfulness into your everyday life without spending any money or making big changes.
Here are some tips for how to stay mindful in your daily life!
Tips to stay mindful
Set an intention for your day
When you wake up in the morning, take a few moments to center yourself and set an intention for the day.
This could be something as simple as, “I will be present in every moment today” or “I will be kind to everyone I encounter.” Having a daily intention helps to ground you and keeps you focused on your goal of mindfulness.
Make time for meditation
Meditation has many benefits for mental health, even if you can only spare 5 minutes, a regular meditation practice will help you to be more mindful in your day-to-day life.
If you’re new to meditation, there are many great apps and websites that offer guided meditations, like Headspace and Calm.
Put away your phone
One of the best ways to be more mindful is to disconnect from technology and connect with the present moment.
This doesn’t mean you have to give up your phone or computer forever, but try to take regular breaks from them, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Pay attention to your body
When you’re feeling scattered or anxious, take a few minutes to focus on your body. Notice how you’re sitting, what kind of posture you’re in, and how your breath feels. This can help to center you and calm your mind.
Take notice of your surroundings
When you’re out and about, take a few moments to really look at your surroundings and notice the details. This could be the color of the leaves on a tree, the way the light hits a building, or the expressions on people’s faces.
By paying attention to your environment, you can appreciate the world around you in a new way.
Be kind to yourself
Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, not about perfection. If you find your mind wandering or you make a mistake, simply acknowledge it and let it go. Remember that mindfulness is a journey, not a destination.
With these tips, you can easily bring mindfulness into your daily life and have a more fulfilling life. Just remember to be kind to yourself and take things one step at a time.
After all, the goal is to enjoy the journey, not to stress about reaching the destination.
How do I train myself to be mindful?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to train yourself to be mindful will vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. However, some general tips that may be helpful include:
Make time for mindfulness each day
Just as you would make time for exercise or eating healthy meals, it’s important to make time for mindfulness.
This could involve taking a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath, or spending 10 minutes at the end of each day reflecting on your experiences.
Find a method that works for you
There are many different ways to be mindful, so it’s important to find a method that works for you. If sitting still and focusing on your breath is difficult, try a walking meditation or a mindfulness exercise that involves movement.
There are also many great books and apps that offer guidance on how to be more mindful.
Be patient with yourself
Learning to be mindful takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself and don’t expect perfection. If your mind wanders, simply acknowledge it and refocus on your breath or the present moment.
With time and patience, you will develop greater focus and concentration.
Seek professional help
If you’re struggling to be more mindful on your own, there’s no shame in seeking professional help.
A therapist or counselor may be able to help you develop a mindfulness practice that works for you and address any underlying issues that may be preventing you from being fully present.
How do I know if I’m doing mindfulness correctly?
Again, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to know if you’re doing mindfulness correctly will vary depending on your individual needs and preferences.
However, here are a few general tips that may help:
Don’t judge yourself
Mindfulness is not about being perfect or getting things right. If your mind wanders or you make a mistake, simply acknowledge it and let it go.
The goal is to be accepting and non-judgmental of yourself, not to strive for perfection.
Be patient with yourself
Learning to be mindful takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself and don’t expect perfection. If your mind wanders, simply acknowledge it and refocus on your breath or the present moment.
With time and patience, you will develop greater focus and concentration.
Check in with yourself
At the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect on your experiences and ask yourself the following questions:
- What were some of the highlights of my day?
- What were some of the challenges I faced today?
- What was I able to let go?
- What do I need to work on tomorrow?”
Doing this type of self-reflection can help you assess your progress and identify any areas where you may need to focus more attention.
Conclusion
Mindfulness is a practice that can be helpful for many people. It involves paying attention to the present moment with an attitude of acceptance and non-judgment.
If you’re interested in training yourself to be more mindful, there are many great resources available (books, apps, websites, etc.) that can help you get started.
Seek professional help if you’re struggling to be more mindful on your own. With time and practice, you will develop greater focus and concentration. Remember to be patient with yourself and don’t expect perfection.
Mindfulness is about being accepting and non-judgmental of yourself, not striving for perfection.
