We live in a world constantly filled with distractions. The internet is at our fingertips, allowing us to get lost in 30-second videos, depressing articles, and colorful photos. While fun and sometimes enlightening on how other people see the world, these distractions can keep us from living in the present and experiencing a more mindful life.
For those who aren’t aware, mindfulness is the practice of being mindful and present at the moment and requires us to pay attention to our thoughts, feelings, and external surroundings without judgment. It’s a skill that can be learned with practice, allowing us to live more intentionally and in tune with our environment.
Living in the present moment takes mindfulness one step further. Being fully present means thoroughly engaging with what is happening now instead of dwelling on past events or worrying about future outcomes. This can help us become more connected to our emotions and experiences, and this practice allows us to gain greater insight into our lives.
Achieving mindfulness and living in the present moment can be transformative. It has been linked to improved physical and mental health outcomes, increased productivity, and greater contentment with life overall.
Though mindfulness and living in the present moment may seem like daunting tasks at first, many simple practices can help bring awareness back to the present moment. These practices include:
Breathing exercises: Practicing deep breathing exercises can pull your attention away from the stresses and distractions of the world and focus on one thing: your breath.
Focusing on one task at a time: Multitasking is celebrated in our busy lives because it makes us more efficient. However, it pulls our attention in many different directions, not allowing us to dedicate our focus to what we’re doing in the present.
Engaging in mindful activities: Different mindfulness activities can help us become and stay in the present moment. Engaging in activities such as yoga or meditation are all helpful ways of being mindful.
Be conscious of your surroundings: Allowing ourselves to be more aware of our surroundings - the sights, smells, and sounds - can also help bring us back to the present moment. This can help you ground yourself, especially when you feel overwhelmed.
Practice gratitude: There’s a reason many mindfulness coaches encourage people to practice gratitude. When you’re having a bad day, list what’s grateful for or reread what you’ve written before to remind you of the good that exists in the present.
Learn about yourself: The most important practice you can start today to become more mindful is learning more about yourself. Often we’re so focused on other people’s opinions or the person we see in our minds that we lose who we are. Learning about and how to improve yourself a little each day will keep you from stressing about any unrealistic dream version of yourself.
With practice, mindfulness and living in the present moment can become habits that lead to a more meaningful life experience. Achieving mindfulness and living in the present moment is a journey of self-discovery and growth. By learning to be aware and present, we can fully experience life and unlock its potential.
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