3 Ways To Instantly Be More Mindful
Let’s face it, we live in a busy world, and unfortunately this makes it very easy to lose touch with what is going on around us. We are constantly distracted by daily tasks, technology and planning the future that we forget to just take a breath, live in the moment and focus on what is going on NOW. As soon as we lose touch of our body and surroundings, our thoughts have a tendency to go into overdrive, worrying about past and future situations - and this is what causes us to be anxious!
The idea of being mindful is to be present in the moment and fully aware of your surroundings, what is happening, what you’re doing and how you’re feeling. Mindfulness can help improve a person's well being, mental health and even physical health by relieving stress, improving sleep, lowering blood pressure and more!
Injecting a small dose of mindfulness into your day one day at a time can lead you on a path to a happier, healthier life.
Below are 3 easy ways you can instantly become more mindful:
1. Practice ‘Mindful Eating’
Meal times are a great time for you sit down, relax and bring yourself back into the present moment. However, in today’s world we are distracted from the actual act of eating by our smartphones, television, internet etc etc. This means eating often becomes a mindless act. We’re too busy focusing on the tv while shovelling down our plate of food that our brain hasn’t even processed what has happened! Since it takes the brain up to 20 minutes to realise you are full, this can lead to binge eating and an unhealthy lifestyle!
A few ways to get you started with practicing mindful eating are:
Eat slower - If it means waking up 10 minutes earlier so you can sit down, enjoy your breakfast and not rush it, do it!
Eliminate all distractions - Turn off the TV, leave your phone in the other room and fully focus on what you are doing.
Chew thoroughly - Chew each bite of food thoroughly and put your knife and fork down after every mouthful to eliminate the temptation to scoop up another fork full too soon!
Be conscious and present- Consciously look and think about each mouthful you are taking and ask yourself: Are you actually hungry? Is this food healthy? Do you actually want it?
Stop eating when you are full! - All of the above will help you realise when you are full, and when that moment comes... put the knife and fork down and walk away!
2. Download the app ‘CALM’
‘Calm’ is the number 1 app for mindfulness and meditation. Aimed to bring more clarity, joy and peace to your daily life while reducing anxiety and helping users drift into a deeper sleep. I know I’m not the only one when I say that at night, my thoughts run away with me. I can be tired all day, and the moment i get in to bed I’m wide awake and worrying about something that doesn’t even matter! Calm has sleep stories and relaxing music to help you relax, de stress and fall into a deep sleep. There are also breathing techniques that help you unwind and practice mindfulness day to day. The app has been recommended by top psychologists and mental health experts to help you de-stress. So if you struggle to sleep at night or want to try out meditating, I'd definitely recommend giving ‘calm’ a try!
3. Go for a walk (and leave your phone at home!)
This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go for a walk every day (although if you can, do!) but, taking some time out away from your smartphone at least once every day is a great way to practice mindfulness. Take this time out to be in the moment and appreciate your surroundings & the world around you. If you are going on a walk, pay attention to how each part of your body is moving, how you are breathing and become aware of all the subtle movements you are making - and make this your only focus! Focusing on what you are doing, rather than worrying about what you’re not or what’s going on online will improve your mental and physical health!
And there you have it! 3 simple ways you can start incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine today.
Got a question? DM me! @lucyhitchcock_ @sassydigital