10 Tips For Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a natural quality within all of us. However, distractions, emotions, and obligations hinder our capabilities to become truly mindful individuals; Mindful of who we are and of our surroundings. Instead, we are captivated by our uncanny thoughts of the future and past and preoccupied with the daily routine. When we consume our mind with these judgments, we forgo living a life of unfiltered happiness and instead are left feeling empty and unsettled. To forgo this empty feeling many people practicing mindfulness. Check out these tips to learn how to be more present and mindful.
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Have A Clear Understanding Of What It Means To Be Mindful
In order to begin practicing a more mindful lifestyle, you must understand what it means to be mindful. When we practice mindfulness we are practicing the art of disassociation from distractions by creating space for ourselves; space to think and breathe. This space gives us a place to distinguish ourselves and our reactions to the world around us. You don’t need to go anywhere to practice mindfulness, because it is within ourselves; and we must remember that becoming a more mindful person takes patience and practice. it is in Being mindful allows to be more at peace with ourselves and allows us to let go of the insecurities and spiraling thoughts that plague our busy lifestyles. Practicing habits that increase mindfulness can lead to a plethora of benefits for your body and mind such as…
- Alleviates Stress
- Improves Cognitive Memory & Flexibility
- Improves Focus
- Helps Control Emotional Reactivity
- Reduces Anxiety
- Improves Sleep
Prioritize Mindfulness
Becoming a more mindful person takes ambition. It’s not something that can happen overnight so diligence is required to complete this long term goal and improve your overall lifestyle. Make an effort to practice an element of mindfulness each day, such as the ones listed below, and gradually your mind will shift towards following mindful habits and thoughts naturally.
Observe The Present Moment You’re In
Take a second to stop and look around. You are always in a moment that will never happen again. Feed your mind with the sensory details and emotional senses that are occurring at the moment you are in by developing a mind clear of past or future thoughts.
Connect with Your Senses
Begin your day by connecting with each of your five senses and develop these senses throughout the day. Find certain objects that stimulate all of your senses and begin to focus on each one at separate times. This activity can be extremely rejuvenating and is often done through mindful meditation.
Observe Your Breathing
Take a minute out of your day to stop everything you’re doing and just breathe. Listening to the in and out repetition of your breathes acts as a de-stressor and can make you feel centered with your own unique rhythm once again.
Listen Wholeheartedly
You may think you listening if you hear the words coming out of another mouth, but distractions lurk all around us as well as within us. Try and pay attention to the subject speaking and clear your mind of other thoughts so that you can clearly listen. Listening will help develop your focus and better retain information.
Eat Without Distractions
Instead of watching T.V, or being on your phone while you are eating dinner, try and refrain from any screen time. Distractions that pull you away from your food can cause you to lose focus which can result in overeating or feeling unsatisfied after you have eaten a full meal.
Develop Your Concentration
Begin trying to focus one task for a set amount of time, and allocate time after that done to be distracted. Start with shorter intervals of 15-30 minutes and build your way up once you feel like you can complete a task with the allocated time you have given yourself to focus.
Practice Mindfulness Through Meditation
Mindful meditation is a calming way to return your attention to the present moment again and diminish wavering thoughts. Here is a list of the following steps you can take to begin mindful meditation.
1. Find a quiet place to sit down
Pick a comfortable, isolated environment to begin meditation, so that you are free of outside distractions and can concentrate on your own mind.
2. Set a time limit
Set a time limit so that you can control the path your mind wanders. If you are a beginner try meditating for 5-10 minutes, and as your concentration develops begin increasing the time of your meditation.
3. Notice your body
Take a few minutes to focus on all parts of your body. Starting with the feet and working your way up to your head, take about 10 seconds to really focus on that element of your body, feeling it inside and out. This part of meditation helps you to get in touch with your senses.
4. Feel your breathing
Follow the sensation of your breathing, focusing on the repetition of breaths in and breathes out. Begin slowly then set a more relaxed pace.
5. Notice when your mind begins to wander
When you begin to transfer your thoughts away from the meditative moment, notice your thought as it taking it in as a moment then try and dismiss the thought in a comfortable fashion so that you can return to your meditative mindset.
6. Be kind to your wandering mind
Do not judge yourself when your mind begins to wander to distant thoughts. Instead of obsessing over these wavering thoughts address them in your mind and come back to these thoughts after your meditation is over.
