In today’s digital age, the practise of mindfulness has become less and less prominent in people’s lives. More-often-than-not, and especially at work, we ‘zone-out’ or switch onto auto pilot.
My go to relaxation is reading, I read for at least 30 minutes a day, without fail and I know that no matter how hectic my day is, I have a block of time where I focus on nothing but the story.
Failing reading, I put on some loud music and dance around like Andrew W.K until all my cares have gone!
There are so many ways we can practise mindfulness that don’t take a great deal of time out of our day. From simple things to do at work, to taking some time out at home for yourself, becoming more mindful will mean you’re less likely to miss out those important things in your life, relationships, and even your own health.
“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Practise breathing techniques
Taking a moment to practise different breathing techniques is an great route to becoming more mindful. If you’re unsure how to do this, there are tutorials and guides online that can help you start. Not only does it help you to relax, it gives your body and mind the chance to become one with each other.
The next time you begin your next breathing exercise, allow your mind to wander and think about what is going on in your life at the moment. Think about the good, the bad, what you’re grateful for and what you would like to change (if anything).
Embrace relaxation
It’s surprising how many people don’t take time out for themselves anymore. With the rise in the use of hashtags such as #MeTime and #SelfCareSundays, you’d have thought this would have been more.
Take an evening for yourself. Run a nice hot bath, grab a cup of tea and indulge in some aromatherapy essential oils and diffusers. With a fantastic range of scents used for a range of different occasions from relaxing, cleansing and balancing, Neals Yard Remedies has everything you could ever want.
Be aware of how much you judge yourself
Do you regularly feel frustrated with yourself or give yourself a harsh critique when you look in the mirror? The next time you start to – stop. Take a step back, inhale a big deep breath, hold for a few moments, then exhale. Repeat until you find yourself thinking about the breaths you’re taking and not the negative thoughts or emotions.
By practising mindfulness and exhaling those negative thoughts, you’ll free up more space in your mind for more positive and happy feelings.
Stop, listen and think
Becoming a mindful listener and tuning into another person’s commentary can heavily improve your own mindfulness. If you’re not used to pausing and stopping to think before responding when you’re having a chat, then this one can be difficult.
Fear not – practise makes perfect. Next time you’re deep in conversation with someone, before you reply, stop and check in with yourself. How are you stood? What is your body language portraying? What is your energy like? Take a deep breath and think about what you can add to the conversation.