We live in a wired world. We are constantly bombarded by texts, calls and the pressure of meeting the demands and expectations of others. This can leave us feeling overwhelmed and struggling to adapt to the rapid changes around us. If we're not mindful we may find ourselves exhausted with the feeling on being constantly ‘on.’
Mindfulness offers us a way to break free of the constant busyness, to step off the hamster wheel and maintain a sense of balance and tranquility in our daily lives . Rather than operating on 'auto-pilot', where our body is in one place (the car) and our mind in another (next week) mindfulness teaches us to slow down, regain equillibrium and connect with the present moment. By doing so we can start anew, feeling refreshed, revitalised and equipped with a healthier perspective.
What can I do today?
It's widely recognised that how you start your day is important. However, if you get off to a stressful start, don't worry. Now, is always the time, which means anytime is a good time to begin! Integrating some easy Mindful practices into your everyday routine may just help you to centre yourself as you begin your day.
Taking some time out to be still and quiet everyday is really important. It's a chance to reconnect, to breathe and settle in. As we do we come to know ourselves more deeply, it's also helpful to bringing some small practices into your everyday routine.
Engaging in simple everyday mindfulness practices means our stress levels decrease, we experience more balance and perspective and we can get on with living our lives despite any drama! That's not to say we run away from drama but we are better equipped to manage stressful events in our lives authentically.
Mindfulness offers us a way to break free of the constant busyness, to step off the hamster wheel and maintain a sense of balance and tranquility in our daily lives . Rather than operating on 'auto-pilot', where our body is in one place (the car) and our mind in another (next week) mindfulness teaches us to slow down, regain equillibrium and connect with the present moment. By doing so we can start anew, feeling refreshed, revitalised and equipped with a healthier perspective.
What can I do today?
It's widely recognised that how you start your day is important. However, if you get off to a stressful start, don't worry. Now, is always the time, which means anytime is a good time to begin! Integrating some easy Mindful practices into your everyday routine may just help you to centre yourself as you begin your day.
Taking some time out to be still and quiet everyday is really important. It's a chance to reconnect, to breathe and settle in. As we do we come to know ourselves more deeply, it's also helpful to bringing some small practices into your everyday routine.
- Start with small steps: Dedicate a few minutes everyday to practicing Mindfulness.
- When you wake, stop for a few moments and take 5 slow deep breaths.
- Time: Schedule a particular time each day for practice to maintain consistency.
- Reminders: punctuate the day with small reminders to prompt you to stop,take a few breaths and be in the moment.
- Practice Mindful Breathing: Take a little time to focus on your breathing as you observe your inhale and your exhale. This is a good practice to be in the moment and a chance to reset the nervous system
- Mindful Eating: When you are eating or having a cup of coffee, practice mindful eating/drinking. Being aware of the taste, texture, sensation of food/drink. Take your time and savour the flavour.
- Practice Gratitude: Rather than thinking of the things you don't have, make a list of 5 things you are grateful for.
- Mindful walking: Take a walk and be aware of the sensations of your feet on the ground (very grounding) and the movement of your body
- Mindful use of technology: Set boundaries for your use with technology and practice being fully present when you are using it
- Practice Mindful Self-Compassion: Be kind and understand with yourself when you are challenged and when your Inner Critic is at work. Ask yourself "how would I advise my best friend?" and do take that advise yourself
- Practice a short Body Scan meditation: Stop during the day and scan your body head to toe and notice sensations of tension. Take a few moment to breathe and relax those areas or get up and stretch
- Mindful Listening: This means paying full attention to what another person, noticing any tendencies you may have to want to butt in and listening with an attitude of non-judgement. Being open and receptive to what you are hearing.
- Mindful Communication: Listen with attention and speak consciously choosing your words Mindfully
- Mindfulness of your Inner Critic: When your inner dialogue is self-depreciating - notice that. As yourself "What would I say to your best friend in this situation?"
- Punctuate the day by stopping to notice held tension. Breathe deeply and imagine your whole body melting
- Take some YOU time, EVERYDAY to do something you love, or nothing at all
- Smell, taste, touch, listen, see with your senses fully alive. You'll be surprised at what you discover
- Be patient and persistent: Mindfulness is a skill that develops overtime and even a little everyday help.
Engaging in simple everyday mindfulness practices means our stress levels decrease, we experience more balance and perspective and we can get on with living our lives despite any drama! That's not to say we run away from drama but we are better equipped to manage stressful events in our lives authentically.