Mindfulness is a hot topic in the health and wellness world. And, for good reason. As the world gets crazier, busier, and messier, people are looking for ways to stay…well, sane.
The ability to practice mindfulness is extremely beneficial to your sanity.
Mindfulness, at the most basic level, is the state of being fully present and aware—of yourself, your surroundings, your feelings, and your actions—without becoming overwhelmed, irritated, or burdened.
Sound easy? Sorry, but it’s not. Mindfulness takes a lot of practice, and it can be really tough to get to a point where you can be “mindful” at the drop of a hat.
However, as you go along your journey towards mindfulness, there are a few things you can do to boost your efforts
Here are some of our favorite activities that might help you boost mindfulness.
Power down.
Few things get your mind overworked faster than technology.
The lights, the sounds, the constant influx of information: it all adds up to “trying to keep up” rather than “being present in the moment.” This is why it can be helpful to spend deliberate time away from your phone, computer, tablet, or television.
By giving your mind a rest from all the buzz (both literal and figurative), you’re opening the way for your mind to become more present and aware.
Observe.
Part of mindfulness is being aware of what is around you.
Practice this by taking time to actively observe the things you see, hear, smell, and feel around you. Try to go deeper than just surface level observations.
Notice the little things: the background noises, the quality of the light, the temperature. Write these things down, and try not to attach any judgement to them (e.g. don’t say “It’s a little too cold” or “I don’t like that smell.”). Stick to strict observation, and remove your own feelings from the equation.
Be still.
Sometimes, the best activity you can do…is no activity at all.
Keeping still can help you become more mindful of yourself—specifically, your body (your physical state), and your thoughts.
Take a few minutes to do a physical scan. Are any parts of your body uncomfortable? Which ones come to your attention right away? Notice the things you don’t usually notice: your breath, your heartbeat, your pulse.
When thoughts come into your mind, acknowledge them, and then move on from them. Try not to entertain them or “chase” them; just observe them, and let them go.
Clean your house.
Yes, really. Sometimes mundane chores, like cleaning or doing the dishes, can become rote and automatic. Ironically, this makes these activities great opportunities for boosting mindfulness, as you’ll be able to easily get the job done while making new observations.
Notice how your clean sheets smell and feel, and how it looks as you stretch them over your mattress. Really feel the water run over your hands as you wash the dishes, and notice the sounds the suds make.
Reaching a new level of awareness during everyday tasks can make you more mindful overall.
The list of positive effects of mindfulness is growing every day. Try one of these activities and see how being mindful can help you feel more present, calm, and happy.
> What are some ways you practice mindfulness? Tell us on Facebook!
> Having trouble focusing on your work? Here are 5 natural ways to improve concentration.
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