It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed these days with the constant demands on our time and attention. So I’ve made it my mission to find different ways to counteract this stress and boost both our mental and physical health.
It’s called mindful living!
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine starts with making it a habit. They say a habit takes 21 days to form, so mindful living isn’t something you can just switch to from one day to another. It takes time, effort and dedication to truly make mindfulness a part of your life.
The best part about living mindfully? When mindfulness is embraced, we can see positive changes in most, if not all, aspects of our lives.
We can be more focused, creative, and even sleep better (halleluiah!). Our relationships become more harmonious too. It really is transformative!
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- What is Mindful Living
- Why Mindful Living Matters
- 21 Ways To Live Mindfully
- 1. Wake early
- 2. Practice mindful eating
- 3. Do one thing at a time
- 4. Take breaks on a regular basis
- 5. Practice gratitude
- 6. Incorporate meditation into your day
- 7. Listen attentively
- 8. Mindful breathing
- 9. Be conscious of your movement
- 10. Practice yoga
- 11. Reduce digital distractions
- 12. Keep a mindfulness journal
- 13. Take nature walks
- 14. Have self-compassion
- 15. Be patient
- 16. Be accepting
- 17. Be mindful of your words
- 18. Set intentions
- 19. Observe your thoughts
- 20. Let go of expectations
- 21. Be kind
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What is Mindful Living
Mindful living means trying to be fully present, engaging with life as it happens. It’s about being aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and finding that perfect balance in life.
Instead of just going through the motions of everyday life, in living mindfully, we can learn to be fully present in each exact moment, so that we can experience life to the fullest.
Rather than worrying about the past or future, or getting distracted by your phone, you can stay in the here and now. You begin to notice the colours, sounds, and smells around you. You savour each bite of your food. You truly listen when others speak.
It sounds good, doesn’t it? Soaking up every little detail that life has to offer, without judgement or distraction. It’s a simple, yet powerful, way to live your life.
Are you ready to simplify your life?
Why Mindful Living Matters
It’s so easy to get caught up in this fast-paced, digitally-driven world, losing ourselves in never-ending to-do lists and constant digital distractions.
But that’s where the magic of mindfulness comes in. It’s like a reminder to slow down, take a breath, and really appreciate the present moment.
Having a mindfulness practice sets the stage for meaningful everyday life experiences.
Being fully present means you can engage with everything around you, even the little things. And this awareness will bring more gratitude, contentment, and connection into our lives.
So how can we learn to live mindfully? Here’s how:
21 Ways To Live Mindfully
1. Wake early
Since becoming an early bird, I feel that starting your day early sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
I get to embrace the really tranquil moments when the world is still quiet and calm. I use this time to meditate, exercise or simply enjoy a cup of tea or read in peace and prepare for the day ahead.
Once you get into the habit of waking early, it can become a peaceful and invigorating way to start your day. Of course, in order to do this, you must try to get to bed at a reasonable time. Getting enough sleep is imperative.
2. Practice mindful eating
When was the last time you truly savored your food? We tend to eat quickly, mindlessly scrolling through our phones or watching TV while we eat, don’t we? Even eating on the go while running around doing errands or at work.
But mindful eating means savoring every bite.
Chew, notice the textures, flavors, and smells of your food. This can even help you to make healthier choices. And, even more importantly, it can also help with digestion and enhance your enjoyment of food overall.
3. Do one thing at a time
Anyone who says they’re a great multi-tasker is telling a lie. Multitasking isn’t possible! Even if you think you’re doing more than one thing at a time.
You may be attempting to do multiple things at the same time, but rather than doing them well, you’re only giving partial attention to each task.
Avoid multitasking at all costs. Focus on one task at a time, so you can give it your full attention and get it done the right way from the start.
4. Take breaks on a regular basis
How often do you get to the end of the day and realise you haven’t stopped or slowed down all day, and now you’re ready to collapse into bed?
If you want to live a more mindful life, you’ve got to build in breaks throughout the day.
These breaks don’t necessarily have to be an hour here and an hour there – they can act as small pockets of relaxation or rejuvenation, switching the brain off from all the commitments and to-do lists for a short period.
In case it’s difficult to remember, set a reminder to take a short break every 3 hours. Whether you’re sitting at your office desk all day or you’re driving the kids around from A to B for hours at a time – take a short walk, do some deep breathing, or even just sit in silence for a few minutes.
5. Practice gratitude
Since the practice of mindfulness is all about being present in the here and now, one way to do this is through gratitude.
Try to take a few minutes each day to think about what you are grateful for. It could be something big, like your health or your loved ones, or something small, like a warm cup of tea on a cold morning. As I write this today, I’m grateful to have reached my personal best of running 5k without any breaks!
This practice of gratitude can help shift your mindset towards positivity and appreciation, and can help you become more aware of the little things in life that bring you joy.
6. Incorporate meditation into your day
Mindfulness meditation is a powerful tool. It allows you to tune out the noise of the world and tune into your inner self.
Start with just 5 minutes a day, finding a quiet, safe space where you can sit comfortably and focus on your breath. As thoughts come into your mind, simply acknowledge them and then let them go, bringing your attention back to your breath.
Over time, you might find that daily meditations and incorporating different techniques for longer periods can greatly benefit your overall well-being.
If you struggle to switch off in order to meditate, try some of the guided meditations on Headspace. They also have many breathing exercises, podcasts, sleep guides and other mindfulness programs.
7. Listen attentively
Sometimes, it might feel like we’re listening to our friend talk about her problems, when in actual fact, we’re running to-do lists and schedules through our mind. Of often, we’re trying to come up with the perfect response, rather than listening with an open heart and mind.
Active listening is a very important part of living with mindfulness. It’s like a key that unlocks deeper connections with the people around us.
Instead of planning your response while someone else is talking, try to really engage with their words and emotions. Just giving someone your full attention, without judging or getting distracted, can create this fantastic space of understanding and respect.
Conversation is a two-way street, so make sure you’re not just waiting for your turn to speak, but truly hearing what’s being said.
8. Mindful breathing
Mindful or conscious breathing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to invite mindfulness into your life.
We often overlook the power of our breath. But by bringing our focus back to our inhalations and exhalations, we can create a calming anchor in our day.
Try it out now. Pause for a moment and take a long, slow breath in through your nose. Hold it for a moment… then slowly exhale through your mouth. Feel the air fill your lungs and then release, imagine any tension leaving your body with each exhale.
Consciously controlling your breath will help to encourage a greater sense of calm and bring you back into the present moment whenever you find your day getting on top of you.
9. Be conscious of your movement
Mindfulness isn’t only about slowing down, it’s also about being more aware of our movements. How often do we rush from one thing to the next without really paying attention to what we’re doing? Whether it’s walking, eating, or even brushing our teeth, we tend to do things on autopilot!
By being aware of our body and the movements it makes, we can really enhance our overall sense of mindfulness.
Try to slow down and be more conscious of your movements throughout the day. Notice how your body feels as you walk, feel the water on your skin as you shower, taste and savour each bite of food during meals.
10. Practice yoga
Practicing yoga is a fantastic way to embrace a mindful lifestyle. When we align our breath with our movements, we connect with the moment, leaving behind worries and distractions.
Each pose demands a certain focus and offers a chance to explore our body’s abilities and limits, encouraging a deeper self-awareness. During quiet moments of meditation in a yoga session, we can sit with our thoughts without judgment.
You don’t have to be the ultimate Yogi, learn a few poses and stretches and you’ll be on the right track. There are some fantastic YouTube tutorials for yoga beginners.
11. Reduce digital distractions
We’re all constantly bombarded with digital distractions. I don’t think anyone’s safe from the digital world. Our phones, laptops, and TVs consume all our attention and leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from real life.
If you want to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life, try to limit your social media and screen time and take breaks from technology. And with all this free time, you can use it for activities such as mindful reading, journaling, or spending quality time with family members.
12. Keep a mindfulness journal
Another simple way to be more mindful is to keep a journal. Regularly write down whatever’s on your mind, without any judgment or editing.
This will help you figure out your thoughts and emotions, and also serve as a way to release any negative feelings.
You can also use your journal to reflect on your daily experiences, gratitude, and any other mindfulness practices you’ve incorporated into your day. It’s also a great way to track your progress and see how far you’ve come.
13. Take nature walks
Taking a leisurely stroll in nature can work wonders for our mental health. The fresh air, sounds of nature, and visual stimulation can ground us and help us be more present.
Try to incorporate regular walks in parks or other natural settings into your routine.
14. Have self-compassion
We are often our own worst critics, constantly judging, comparing ourselves to others and striving for perfection. But, in order to live mindfully, we need to show ourselves the same compassion we would show anyone else.
Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would with a friend. Be gentle with yourself when you make mistakes and accept yourself just as you are.
15. Be patient
It takes time and practice to introduce mindfulness in our lives, so be patient with yourself as you embark on this journey.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results – remember that every small step counts and progress takes time. Trust the process and continue to show up for yourself every day.
16. Be accepting
Mindfulness teaches us to live in the here and now and accept things as they are, without judgment or resistance. This includes accepting ourselves and others for who we are.
When we let go of expectations and learn to accept things as they come, we can experience a sense of peace and contentment in our lives. This doesn’t mean that we can’t work towards change or improvement, but it does mean accepting things as they are right now.
17. Be mindful of your words
Your words matter and can sometimes have a lasting impact on others. Practice mindful communication by speaking with intention and thoughtfulness.
Before you speak, ask yourself if your words are necessary, kind, and true.
18. Set intentions
In order to live mindfully, it means we need to have a clear understanding of what we want and why we want it. Set intentions for yourself and your actions – this will help guide your decision-making and keep you aligned with your values.
Be intentional in everything you do, whether it’s something as small as making your bed or something bigger like choosing a career path. This will bring more purpose and meaning into your life.
19. Observe your thoughts
Our thoughts can often control our emotions and actions. By observing our thoughts without getting caught up in them, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and the patterns that may be holding us back.
20. Let go of expectations
Release any expectations you have for yourself, others, and situations. Otherwise, you’ll end up feeling disappointed or let down when things don’t go as planned.
21. Be kind
Finally, one key element to living mindfully is showing kindness – both towards yourself and others. Be gentle with yourself, forgive yourself for mistakes, and treat your body with love and respect.
At the same time, spread kindness wherever you go. Smile at strangers, lend a helping hand, offer a listening ear to someone in need. These small acts of kindness can make a huge impact on you and those around you.
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These mindful living tips should help you incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine, leading to a positive impact on both your mental and physical health. By living a more mindful life, you’re nurturing a greater sense of awareness and acceptance.
