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Simple Activities That Increase Mindfulness

The significance of mindfulness is well established and probably doesn’t need any debate in modern times. Everyone is talking about its benefits and how it has become imperative to slow down and go within rather than just pursuing the ‘world’ outside.

Yet many still consider mindfulness to be an unachievable goal in their daily lives. The primary reason for this is that mindfulness is most often misunderstood. It is believed that mindfulness requires stepping away from the daily routine, going away to the hills, eating a certain diet, or meditating for a few hours. Hence, mindfulness is that cookie jar on the highest shelf, and well, best forgotten. Here’s an eye-opener. Mindfulness does not need a specific time and place, and it can be easily integrated into daily life. The idea is to be present and savour the moments.

Skeptical?

Don’t be.

Here are ways to increase mindfulness in your day-to-day routine and enjoy its benefits.

Simple ways to increase mindfulness

• Let’s start with the mornings. The best mindful activity that you can do in the morning is to wake up, sit on the bed, close your eyes, and begin your day with gratitude. Just thank the almighty for giving you another day to be with your loved ones, for the food on your plate, good health, income, and an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful life you have been given.
• It is common knowledge that exercise is an excellent means of getting healthy. Spending hours in the gym, not smiling, and having your mind elsewhere might not do you any good. Mind muscle connection is necessary. Hence, while doing exercise, focus your mind on each movement in your body, which makes your muscles more efficient. As an example, when you are out walking, attempt to be mindful and conscious of the response of your body to the steps, and experience each moment. According to experts, this enhances the impact of the physical activity on the body.
• Our meal times are usually spent chatting with people around us, and the poor food? Well, who looks at what is going on in the mouth anyway? Everybody needs attention, even our food. While we may pause and enjoy the flavour once in a while, experts insist that every meal, whether simple or elaborate, home-cooked or ordered, should be chewed well and relished. This is wonderful for digestion and overall health. Just eating the meal silently and giving the food its due recognition is what we need to do.
• Picture this, and we are sure you will relate instantly. You are driving to work and you are stuck in a traffic jam. There is honking and verbal abuse and everything to raise your blood pressure. Here’s the truth, however. Does the stress ever clear traffic jams? You know the answer, so why not relax and focus on the trees around, the gentle breeze blowing across your face, or the sweet chirping of a little bird, an innocent child trying to sell you something, or maybe the melodious music playing in your music system? Trust us, the jam will clear before you realise it, and the best part will be that you will be calm and smiling.
• Being mindful in the workplace will make you more relaxed and more productive. The most basic techniques are beautifying your workspace by including putting plants or personal items such as photos or inspirational quotes that make you feel good. Strict schedules and ensuring that you concentrate on one thing at a time, rather than multitasking. The well-known guru of life skills, Jay Shetty, recommends taking breaks between the working process and deep breathing, even for 5 minutes.
• Mindfulness can be easily practiced even during social interactions. Being present during conversations, communicating clearly, enjoying the time with family or friends, being non-judgmental, and regulating your emotions are great ways to be mindful.
• Experts are now supporting being mindful even during daily tasks. This includes being present during activities such as bathing, choosing your clothes, dressing, preparing for sleep, and breathing.

Mindfulness is not difficult. All it takes is a little slowing down and being aware of everything you do. Take one step at a time, gradually get into the habit, and see how your mood, your health, and overall life change day by day.