7 Simple Mindfulness Practices for Daily Life
Did you have those moments when you feel like you’re on autopilot? Doing one task to another without being aware that time has passed? Or, did you ever impulsively act in the wrong way because of frustration, anger, and impatience?
It’s a state of acting in a way you never intended. Sometimes, we’re stuck on our patterns without realizing we’re bringing harm to ourselves and others.
That’s why it’s essential to pause and practice mindfulness.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is more than just a trend. For more than 2,000 years, Buddhist monks have been practicing the art of mindfulness. It’s a mental state that fully brings oneself to the present moment, being relaxed and aware of where we are, what we’re doing, and what we’re feeling or thinking. And all at the same time, without being overwhelmed by what surrounds us or where our minds go.
But how do you achieve a peaceful state? What does it take to be mindful?
There are ways to bring mindfulness into your life.
Daily Mindfulness Exercises That You Can Do Now
- Start your day with gratitude and purpose. Setting an intention to start your day wires your mind to have motivation. And doing it with gratitude changes your day, words, actions, and responses.
- Take a break with three long and deep breaths. Whenever you find yourself going through motion or the flow of deep emotions is coming in, notice the rise and fall of your chest and belly. Taking these breaths will bring you to your present moment.
- Pause and check-in. Throughout the day, pause, be aware of your breath, and check-in with yourself. Notice what you’re feeling or thinking. Be conscious of what flows in and out of your mind.
- Savor every bite you take. Eating should be a pleasurable experience, but we often fall into the habit of simply consuming it. Whenever you eat, do it mindfully. Notice the rainbow of taste that comes with every bite. Be aware of how the taste and texture change in every bite you take.
- Listen to your body. Our bodies are designed to survive and tell us what we need to do. It sends body signals to tell us what we need to do. But most of the time, we ignore it. When our stomach screams for food, we postpone it. When our mind demands rest, we continue our work. Practice paying attention to your body and giving in to what it needs.
- Be aware of your emotional triggers. It will always be part of our lives. There’s always something that can pull us out on a good disposition. Knowing what they are and how it affects us can help us be less impulsive and mindful.
- Focus on the present moment. Keep in mind that the present moment is life’s gift to us. Stop dwelling in the past or worrying about the future, but instead be alive in the present moment. Absorb what is in front of you and engage all your senses. Remember, it’s the only thing you have now. Be present and accept life’s present.