Written by Bloom Magazine
You can find ways to practice mindfulness no matter where you are or what you're doing. Here are some ideas for incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine.
Finding time to fit a regular mindfulness meditation practice into your everyday life can take time and effort. But the desire to bring more mindfulness into your life doesn't mean you have to sit still and count your breath for hours. It's about finding a way that suits you, whether 10 seconds, 10 minutes or a few hours a day. The choice is yours, and it all adds up. Even if you only dedicate a little time to a mindfulness meditation practice, it's essential to bring the experience from the cushion or chair into the world.
This means that you don't need more time but the motivation to integrate mindfulness into the many moments that make up your day. Adopting an integrated approach will eventually lead you to live more mindfully. Daily mindfulness rituals train your brain to focus on the present moment. Mindfulness is a skill that can be learned, so the more moments you practice, the more you'll naturally develop this ability.
Over time, it will take less effort to do, so it's not that mindfulness is challenging in itself; it's remembering to do it that's often the trickiest part. There are many ways to bring more mindfulness into your life, and you can start creating these moments immediately. Whether you are getting the kids ready for school, sipping a latte, or driving home after work, there's always a way that you can focus on what's happening in the present moment and bring yourself back into the present. The following pages are full of practical tips and easy techniques to help you do this throughout your waking hours to be more mindful during every moment of your day.
HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR PERSONALIZING YOUR SELF-CARE STRATEGY. WHATEVER AMOUNT OF TIME YOU CARVE OUT FOR YOURSELF IS IMPORTANT.
COOK A HEALTHY MEAL
It's easy to forget how much we eat can impact our mental well-being, not just our physical health. But if you can steal even an hour once a week to cook a healthy meal, then use that time to cook something enjoyable and good for your mental health.
READ A CHAPTER OF A BOOK
It's easy to sit on the couch and flip through channels rather than pick up a good book. But sometimes, it's nice to put more effort in and absorb ourselves in a good book. We can immerse ourselves in the story and make our imaginations soar.
JOURNAL OR DRAW
Taking a break from technology now and then is a good idea. Writing in a journal can help you relax, unwind, and process your feelings. You can write about whatever you want in a journal. You could write about your day or give yourself space to reflect on things bothering you. If writing is not your thing, try drawing instead!
GO OUTSIDE AND WALK
Our brains are still very similar to our ancestors, and as such, we are hard-wired to spend a lot of time outdoors. This is why your average person feels better after going for a walk in the woods or taking a jog through a park. Instead, most of us have jobs that require us to be indoors all day. We then drive home and spend the rest of the night inside. It's not what we were designed for. So why does this matter? Research has found that those who spend more time in nature have lower rates of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. This is likely because spending time in nature makes us feel more connected to the world around us.
SIMPLY WATCH THE SKY
Okay, this might sound a little goofy, but we genuinely enjoy it when we watch the sky. We also appreciate the sunset and moonlight. It's relaxing, and it gives us time to think about things. When we're feeling stressed, it helps us calm down and focus on the positive things in life.
VISION BOARD
Visualization is a great way to center yourself. If you have time, grab some old magazines or create a Pinterest board to help visualize your goals and dreams. Keep a journal, especially when you're first starting on your path of self-love. Write down your goals and any affirmations that are particularly important to you. Reading back through the journal will help keep you focused on your goals.
TALK TO A FRIEND
We get so caught up in our own lives that we neglect to check in on the people who care about us. Pick up the phone and give a friend a call to ask how they are doing. It's a simple gesture, but it can make a big difference in someone's day.