Practical and Simple Ways to Practice Mindfulness Everyday
Lately I have been expanding my mindfulness practice and exploring little ways in which I can include little moments of mindfulness, space, and self reflection in to my day to day routine. The slowing down of life during winter and as a result of the global pandemic can be an opportunity to rest and build new healthy habits. I hope you enjoy this list of simple and practical ways to introduce mindfulness in to your day and that it inspires you to take some time for yourself. ✧*❤
This concept of rest can be a little difficult to come to terms with in our modern society where productivity is prized and busyness and working long hours are worn as badges of honour. We are taught that we should be constantly striving; for a promotion, pay rise, for that next qualification, to build a family. However, several studies have shown that, once the basics needs of food and shelter are met, an increase in income/success does not result in an increase in happiness. So, by taking some time to stop striving and simply be in the present moment we can increase our sense of happiness, calm, and well-being.
I recently sat down and tried to think of the last time I truly rested and I came to the surprising conclusion that I never have. Kinda bad right? Sure, I have taken time away from work, travelled, and spend time with my friends and family but behind all of this I have been striving for the next degree, the next promotion, to pay off my debt. Even when I travel I love to spend us much time walking, adventuring, and sight-seeing as possible. I have always resisted the sensation of boredom, staying home, and doing 'nothing'. I didn't appreciate that the ability to live in the present moment with contentment is a real skill and I find these mindfulness practices are really helping me to cultivate this mindset. When was the last time you truly rested?
I recently sat down and tried to think of the last time I truly rested and I came to the surprising conclusion that I never have. Kinda bad right? Sure, I have taken time away from work, travelled, and spend time with my friends and family but behind all of this I have been striving for the next degree, the next promotion, to pay off my debt. Even when I travel I love to spend us much time walking, adventuring, and sight-seeing as possible. I have always resisted the sensation of boredom, staying home, and doing 'nothing'. I didn't appreciate that the ability to live in the present moment with contentment is a real skill and I find these mindfulness practices are really helping me to cultivate this mindset. When was the last time you truly rested?
10 Simple ways to be Mindful
- Connect with your breath. Focus on the sensations of breathing; the feeling of the air in your nostrils and at the back of your throat, the rise and fall of your chest and belly.
- Spend time with nature. Sit outside, breathe some fresh air, or bring some flowers or potted plants indoors.
- Enjoy your favourite drink. Take the time to prepare your favourite beverage and savour each part of the process, smell the coffee beans as you measure them out, observed the change in colour as you stir, sit quietly and focus on enjoying the flavour, no phone, no distractions.
- Connect with your senses. This is a particularly great method that incorportated in throughout your day. Take a moment for a deep breath, what can you see right now? What can you hear, taste, smell? What sensations are present in your body? What do you need?
- Write it down. Writing down your thoughts/worries/anxieties can be a fantastic way of letting them go and allow you to objectively observe them to find solutions.
- Practice gratitude. Keep a regular log of positive experiences, little moments of happiness, and things you are grateful for on your phone or in a nice journal. Note only does this build a habit of noticing the positives but, when you feel down, you can look back over your list as a reminder.
- Create something. Take up a calming hobby that soothes the mind and give it you your full attention. Drawing, painting, knitting, crochet, jigsaw puzzles are all great options.
- Go for a walk. Fresh air instantly connects us to the present and can elevate the mood. Try out a mindful walking practice, focus on the feeling of your steps and your breath as you walk, the sensations of the air, the sounds, sights, and smells around you.
- Play a relaxing computer game. This may seem an odd suggestion but I really find that the right type of computer game ground me int he present and produce a similar feeling of relaxation as reading a book or clearing my mind. I particularly love Animal Crossing: New Horizons and anything in the Pokemon series for this.
- Slow down. Take some time just for yourself, sit or lie down with no sense of striving. You are exactly where you need to be.
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お元気ですか
Hi!
I'm Cheri, creator of Kawaii Cherry Pi, and (as you can probably guess) I love making kawaii and cute artwork and accessories. I am a huge fan of Japanese culture; the crazy and colorful along with the peaceful and natural.
Just like Japan, this site is a haven of contrasts; kawaii & otaku, travel tips and wanderlust, and mindfulness & self-improvement. So, stay a while and tanoshi! 楽しい
I'm Cheri, creator of Kawaii Cherry Pi, and (as you can probably guess) I love making kawaii and cute artwork and accessories. I am a huge fan of Japanese culture; the crazy and colorful along with the peaceful and natural.
Just like Japan, this site is a haven of contrasts; kawaii & otaku, travel tips and wanderlust, and mindfulness & self-improvement. So, stay a while and tanoshi! 楽しい