If greater mental well-being isn’t enough of an incentive, research has shown us that mindfulness can help improve physical health in a number of ways too. From lowering blood pressure to reducing chronic pain and relieving stress overall, science has found that mindfulness can offer a host of benefits to anyone and EVERYONE who practices.
These days, we’re all inundated with notifications, work emails, social media, and other distractions. If you’re guilty of spending hours each day staring at your phone, think about what you could be missing!
Each of us is only visiting this planet for a short time. Why miss out on living in the present moment when there are so many incredible things to engage with?
Mindfulness During Mealtime
So many of us eat our meals in front of the television while staring at our phones, or while driving.
As a warning, if you aren’t used to this, it could be challenging! If it’s easier, find a friend to eat with, sit with a pet, or post up at a window, and people watch.
While you eat, chew your food. Put down your eating utensil often. Enjoy what you’re eating, and taste every bite.
Listen Without Judgment
Most people aren’t good at listening! We think we are, but we’re mostly only listening enough to respond and add our two cents.
Try having a conversation with someone and listening without any judgment. If it’s tricky to find someone to chat with, turn on a podcast.
Your goal is to listen as a means of collecting information. If you find yourself questioning what the person is saying, take note of your wandering thoughts, then go back to focusing on the person’s words.
Notice When You Zone Out
When we get into routines, our brain goes into autopilot. It can happen when we’re driving, at work, or doing mundane tasks like when we’re making ourselves a meal.
When we zone out, we’re missing out, and definitely not being mindful.
Yoga, Mindfulness, and Intentions
Yoga asanas (or poses) and mindfulness go hand in hand. I encourage you to try one of the following postures and put your intention into words.
For example, if you intend to be stronger, you might say, “I am strong.” Repeat this mantra either out loud or in your head throughout your practice.
Here are some poses to choose from: https://www.doyouyoga.com/9-yoga-poses-and-mantras-for-happiness/
Thoughts Are Just Thoughts
Feeling anxious, worried, or angry? We all have moments like that, but those thoughts don’t have to throw off the entire day.
Practicing mindfulness means understanding that our thoughts are temporary, fleeting, and will soon be replaced with other thoughts. Once you fully train yourself to accept this, you’ll be able to take the next step – replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts!
Notice when you’re feeling a negative thought, take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, picture the negativity exiting your body.
Try to flood your mind with positivity – start thinking of things that you’re grateful for, distract yourself by noticing the sensation of your clothes against your skin, or the ground beneath your feet.
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