5 Simple Mindfulness Practices For Daily Life
Mindfulness has become a sort of buzzword this year; as trendy as it sounds, it’s not a fad that’s expected to pass. Mindfulness is a state of complete awareness: living in the present moment and taking note of one’s thoughts and feelings. Those who have tried incorporating it into their daily routines are discovering how beneficial it is for their mind, body, and overall health. But how do you be more mindful as you continue with your everyday life?
Set an intention when you wake up
Start your day off right by dedicating a few minutes to make some concrete goals. Mornings can be difficult for some of us, especially if we didn’t get the best sleep. Often, the pace of our morning sets the tone for the entire day. Being honest with yourself about how you’re feeling and setting goals can help steer you in a more positive direction. Your intention can be as simple as, I want to spread happiness today, or something that addresses your challenges like, I want to stay calm, even when I feel frustrated.
Practice deep breathing
It’s amazing what deep breathing does to slow our racing thoughts. This mindful technique helps treat anxiety, depression, anger, and addiction. When our thoughts come at us like a freight train, we forget how important it is to ground ourselves. That’s what mindfulness is all about: being present in the moment. To manage your concerns about the future and your anxieties about what happened earlier in the day, focus on your breath. Watch how your mind slows down once you root yourself in the present.
Be in the moment
Mindful eating is about maintaining an in-the-moment awareness of the food and drink you put into your body. The time we spend eating is often accompanied by our cell phones or the television. But why not use these minutes to be more present? You can be mindful even when you eat a meal. Be aware of each bite that you take; how it tastes, its texture, its temperature. Does it spread over your tongue with sweetness, or make you crinkle your nose because of its saltiness? Eat slowly so that you can appreciate the flavours and the nutritious value of the food. Small gestures like these go a long way to restore balance in our minds.
Clean your space
When chores are nagging us at the back of our minds, it’s hard to stay present. Rather than approach your tasks with a sense of dread, use them as a way to be mindful. As you clean, pay close attention to your movements. If you are washing surfaces, notice the warm water on your skin and the pleasant smell of soap. Be aware of how soft freshly washed laundry is as you fold it and put it away.
An act of self-love
One way to be more mindful is to address your needs. Have you been showing yourself love and kindness? This looks different for everyone: for some, it’s a decadent meal at their favourite restaurant, while for others, it’s a night on the couch with a good movie and a bowl of popcorn. One way to treat yourself is with body sugaring. You can practice mindfulness during this all-natural hair removal method that will leave your skin smooth and supple. Contact Bare Body Sugaring to learn more this safe and gentle treatment.
