There are a lot of talks these days about being mindful and living in the present. However, mindfulness can confuse people because you already live in the present or the here and now.
Shockingly, you may be surprised to learn that you’re only about ten percent aware of the things around you, according to Forbes Magazine.
Your mind and body are awake, but you only exist daily. Did you know that many people walk around in a dream-like state because they’re so disconnected from the world around them? When your mind drifts, you cannot focus on the things around you.
For many folks, past seems to be ever-present in their mind. Other people worry about the future and ensuring they have enough to sustain themselves. Then, you have churning thoughts caused by judgments and responses to the things you pay attention to.
It’s sad that you are missing out on so much of your life. No wonder so many people feel shallow, hollow, and have an unsettled sense on the inside. The good news is that you can take steps to correct these issues and be much happier.
Adopt These Ten Habits to Help You to Implement Mindfulness in Your Life
1. Connect with Your Senses
You’re driving down a country road with the radio blasting great tunes. Suddenly, you pull into your destination without realizing the turns you made or how you got there. All you know is that you went from point A to point B and made it safely.
Many people experience these types of happenstances because they’re on autopilot. Your brain takes over and knows what to do, so you temporarily check out a bit. Should a car honk at you or you must slam on your breaks, you would instantly break this autopilot sensation.
How different would your trip be if you rolled down the window, let the fresh air hit you in the face, smelled the fragrant flowers permeating the air, and gazed at the sunshine? Getting in touch with your senses is an excellent way to be present at the moment. Mindfulness is about not missing those little opportunities that enhance your life.
2. Eating Thoughtfully to Improve Mindfulness
How often do you grab something to eat in the cabinet without giving it much thought? You don’t consider how much protein you’ve had that day or if your carbohydrate consumption is too high. You eat because you’re hungry.
To eat mindfully is to pay attention to what you put in your mouth. When you take inventory of your diet, you will feel so much better. According to the USDA, you need 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
When is the last time that you met that goal? Paying attention to every bite you take will make it easier to maintain weight, improve your mental health, and live a happier life.
3. Examine Your Breaths
Have you ever noticed your breathing? When you’re running or walking up a flight of stairs, it becomes more labored. However, when you’re resting in bed, it’s quite shallow and slower. Did you know that mindfully breathing is a great way to control anxiety and panic disorder?
You can stop anxiety in its tracks by observing your breaths and learning how to control them. The American Institute of Stress states that those who spend just 20-30 minutes a day doing controlled breathing can ease their anxiety. Additionally, you can decrease your heart rate as well as muscle tension.
4. Walking Thoughtfully
It may sound bizarre to say that you need to walk mindfully. However, you should pay attention to the beauty around you. Take your shoes off to connect you to Mother Earth.
Each step you take should feel like you’re kissing the ground with your feet. Watch how you move your body as you stroll by and feel each muscle group working in your support. Take note of five things with your senses, such as colors, sounds, smells, and feelings.
You may walk the same street every day, but when you start practicing mindfulness, it may look like a new area you’re exploring.
5. Listen Passionately
One common complaint among women is that their husbands don’t listen to what they’re saying. Sure, they’re sitting there and nodding their head, but they have zoned out and couldn’t repeat what they’ve been told. Men, no doubt, say the same thing about their wives.
Try really listening to your spouse, family members, and friends. Hear every word they say, and act as you care about their conversation. Even if they seem to prattle on things that don’t interest you, be present in the conversation. Mindfulness can teach you about respect and compassion for fellow human beings too.
6. Stop and Think Before You React
Many folks have automated responses or actions to things. For instance, when you get an email, you jump to open the app and see what it’s about. When your children yell for you, you instantly respond.
What if you sat back and took a minute before you did or said anything? How many times have you been told that you need to think before you speak? There were indeed occasions when you wish you could take back some of the words or actions that were done without thinking.
Mindfulness teaches you to slow down and not to be so quick to respond. Think about the words you use as well as your reactions. This simple habit can change your life.
7. Mix Up Your Routine
Remember how you were driving and arrived at your destination without any thought? Well, it’s because you’re on autopilot from your routine. If you awaken at 6 am, shower at seven, and arrive at work by nine, you’ve become so automated that your life is boring.
Is it any wonder that people become depressed or anxious? The old saying that variety is the spice of life is undoubtedly an accurate adage. If you want to be happy, learn to relax, and have a good time, then you need to mix things up a bit.
Random trips can help refresh your mind, body, and spirit. Marriages and relationships take work. What would happen to your garden if it never received water? Your crops would perish, and you would get little to no harvest.
If you want relationships and your life to be excellent, throw a little “water” on them. Having fun, laughing often, and enjoying your life is what your existence should be about. Life is not about working all the time.
8. Learn to Meditate for More Mindfulness
Meditation is a great way to learn mindfulness. When you’re deep breathing, pushing away negativity, and taking time to decompress, it can make you so much happier. The best thing about meditation is that you can do it anywhere or anytime you need to feel more grounded.
9. Embrace the Things You Love
Do you love to paint, swim, cook, or garden? Why not embrace those things that make you happy? Your life can’t always be about working around the clock. Learn to have fun, and pick up a hobby that makes life interesting.
Life is way too short to be miserable. Get involved with people and activities that put a smile on your face.
10. Start Journaling
You can’t stop thoughts from coming to you, but you can make sure they have an outlet. Journaling is an excellent way to get rid of negativity and all the random thoughts you deal with daily. You don’t need to write a book, but jot down everything going through your mind that day.
You can even use your journal to write down your goals, dreams, and anything else that comes to mind. This is a private collection for your eyes only, so you can be honest.
Final Thoughts on Implementing Mindfulness To Be Happier
Did you learn anything that can help you on your journey to being more mindful? Additionally, you need to ensure you don’t talk or think harshly about yourself. Watch the words you speak when you’re referencing yourself.
Try adding positive affirmations to your day to help you along your journey. How can you expect anyone else to if you don’t love yourself?
Mindfulness will help you to be a happier and healthier person with a better outlook. You can be an individual who strives to be present in the here and now. There’s so much to see that you don’t want to miss a single thing during your life.
Community
