We live in a wired world. Whether it's answering texts or calls, struggling to meet the demands of others or at a stage where everything we once knew seems to have changed. Life can feel stressed and rushed and if we're not careful we end up feeling exhausted and constantly ‘on.’
Mindfulness offers us a way to step off the hamster wheel and keep ourselves balanced and more at ease day to day. Instead of running on automatic pilot, feeling our body is in one place (the car) and our mind in another (next week) and we are loosing ourselves in the struggle, mindfulness shows us how to slow down, rebalance and reconnect so that we begin again renewed, revitalised with a healthy 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.
Read slowly - Pick just one or two tips a day.
When you wake, stop for a few moments and take 5 slow, deep breaths.
As you get out of bed feel the sensation of the floor, and the way way your feet roll on the ground as you walk, this can be very grounding.
Meditate and be gentle with yourself. Remember meditation does not mean having to achieve any particular state. It's simply being aware in the moment.
Think of 5 things for which you are truly grateful
When you drink your tea/coffee - take time over it, you're drinking it anyway so you may as well savour the flavour
Take a brisk or gentle walk
Stop for a few minutes after lunch. Notice nature and simply be where you are
Practice doing one thing at a time
If you notice your inner dialogue is unkind - notice that. We all do that from time to time, what would you say to your best friend? Take in Nature
Punctuate the day by stopping, notice held tension. Make your exhale a little longer 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
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.