Do you ever feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? That our lives are so
busy we’re just going through the motions, only to have to do it all again tomorrow?
Let’s talk about how to stop moving through life on autopilot and begin to take control of our actions in the present moment. Mindfulness can help us slow down to the here and now and tune into what we are thinking, feeling, and experiencing. Through mindfulness, we gain an awareness of what is happening with our mind (thoughts and emotions) and body (senses) in the present moment.
As we begin to check in with ourselves regularly, we can get to know ourselves better.
Although it may feel like you have no extra time for it, practicing mindfulness doesn’t
have to be complicated or time consuming. The following are tips on how to integrate mindfulness practices into your everyday life.
1. Alter Existing Habits
Let go of the idea that there will be a perfect moment. Instead, we can add mindfulness practices into our routines by slightly altering the habits we already have. For example, while walking to the kitchen, you can dedicate a few seconds breathing and checking in, asking yourself, “What is going on in my mind? How is my body feeling?”
2. Coming Back to Breath
3. Relax Your Body
Notice where you’re holding tension in your body and relax those areas. Techniques
like Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) can help with this. Your body needs to feel safe and in control. It needs to feel rooted. An example of PMR is taking a moment to unclench your jaw, opening your mouth slightly. Move to your shoulders. Are they crunched up to your ears and tense? Align your spine with the back of a chair or wall. Or, just sit up straight. Drop your shoulders and squeeze your shoulder blades together, then release.
4. Get to Know Your Senses
5. Acceptance
Sources
Written By Chiara Gianvito
