From Mind Full to Mindful: Tips to Get You Started
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with tasks, mindfulness might just help you ease the tension. You might think that mindfulness is just meditation, but it’s so much more than that. Mindfulness is all about being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and environment. It can help you feel calmer and more at peace with your life, and according to Psychology Today, you can even use mindfulness practices to help with stress and anxiety. With a few small changes to your habits, you might notice an improvement in your mental well-being. Let’s look at some of these mindfulness exercises that you can begin to do today.
Mindfulness for Your Mind
Be present - Take a moment to notice your surroundings. What do you see, hear, and feel? Try to focus on the present moment without getting too caught up in the past or future.
Meditation - Meditation is one of the ways to practice mindfulness. There are many different types of meditation, so it’s important to find one that works for you. Even a few minutes of meditation every day can make a big difference in how you feel, helping you to clear your mind and fully take in the moments that matter most.
Take a break - When you're feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to step away from whatever you're doing and engage in a small, enjoyable activity to distract yourself. Simple activities like drawing or sitting outdoors can be just what you need by calming your mind when you feel your stress is building up.
Mindfulness for Your Body
Breathing - Deep breathing is a highly underrated way to bring calmness into your day. Taking long, slow, and deep breaths can promote a sense of calm as you inhale and exhale and help you stay focused on the present.
Exercise - Exercise is a great way to improve both your physical and mental health, and the great part about it is that it doesn’t have to be intense. Simple movements such as going for brisk walks, skipping rope, or walking up and down the stairs can quickly make you feel better.
Eating - Think of the food you eat as nourishment for your mind and body. Even though you might not think of it as a mindfulness practice, eating slowly and paying attention to your food can help you stay present and appreciate the overall experience.
Mindfulness for Your Emotions
Journaling - Journaling is a great way to express your thoughts and feelings. It can also help you get in touch with your emotions and deep-dive into how your emotions impact your day.
Positive self-talk - It’s great advice to be kind to strangers, but it’s equally as important to be kind to yourself. Avoid negative self-talk and focus on your strengths and accomplishments, acknowledging even small wins along the way to keep your spirits up.
Active listening - When you're talking to someone, try to really listen. Show that you're interested by paying attention to their words, try to understand their point of view, and avoid interrupting them or passing judgment.
Mindfulness for Your Social Life
Join support or activity groups - Spending time with like-minded people can help you feel supported. Joining a support or activity group can help you connect with others and build a sense of community through a shared purpose.
Spend time with positive people - Surround yourself with people who make you feel loved, appreciated, and happy. When you’re around positive people, you’ll be better equipped to drown out any negative thoughts and emotions that might come around.
Practice gratitude - Try to focus on the good things in your life, no matter how big or small. Taking a moment to recognize and appreciate both the big and little things in your life can make such a difference in how you feel, helping you see more of the positive things that surround you.
Mindfulness is a simple yet powerful tool that can improve your overall mental well-being. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily life, you can reduce stress, improve your relationships, and live a happier, more fulfilling life. And most of all, remember to be kind to yourself along the way!