Live in the Moment
It’s so cliché, but so important. Living in the moment is truly living.
When you focus too much on the past or the future, you let your life slip by without living.
And the unfortunate thing is that mindful living is hard! I know I haven’t mastered it yet. It requires ongoing practice.
Here are some ways to practice mindfulness throughout the day:
- Be mindful as you wake up and get out of bed. I try to remember to smile every morning to set the tone for the day.
- Be mindful when you exercise. It’s tempting to multitask on the treadmill (I do it!). However, exercise is a great time to really be in the moment. Focus on your breath and your surroundings. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the present.
- Be mindful when you shower. It’s a great time to give your body some love. Just the other day, I got out of the shower and couldn’t remember if I had washed my hair. If I had been mindful, I would’ve known.
- Be mindful when you eat. Eating slowly, chewing carefully, and setting down the fork between each bite has great health benefits. Focus on the smells and textures and colors. Enjoy each bite.
- Be mindful when you drive. I see so many distracted people behind the wheel (again, I’m guilty of this as well). Defensive driving is mindful driving. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t do anything else while you drive (that’s why we have voicemail!).
- Be mindful when you interact with others. Whether you’re in a business meeting, on a date, or talking to your child, be fully present. Don’t look at your phone every two minutes. Look at the person you’re talking to and really listen to what they are saying. Kids can tell when you’re not paying attention and will call you on it. Take their advice.
- Be mindful when you work. Perform every task with intention. Avoid distractions by turning off email and IM. You’ll be amazed how much faster you can get things done.
