Mindfulness is the ability to stay in the present moment and to focus your thoughts on what is happening in the here and now. It’s our ability to not think about the past or the future but to instead observe what is happening in the moment.
My head is always in the clouds, and I work hard to keep focus. Here’s a few I like to use to keep me in the present.
When your mind is going in every direction. Pause and focus on your surroundings. What do you see hear, smell, taste. Say out loud what you see, there is a tree, a chair. Can be done as many times as needed throughout the day. It will help create a new habit of being in the present.
Journaling, Start your year with a new journal, write about anything, anything that pops into your mind write it down, it clears away the clutter in your mind and allows for new thoughts and creativity to come through.
Gratitude, think about the things you are grateful for, start with what’s in front of you, I am grateful for my couch, my computer, see your world through the eyes of others, and you will soon see just how much you have to be grateful for, job, family, bank account, anything with 4 wheels that gets you around.
Take a walk, nature has a way of bringing us to our center, whatever season it is, there is always something beautiful to see. Today a hawk flew by me, I just know we were both quite happy with this reprieve we are having from the frigid temps. Nature reminds us we are not alone.
Hand on your Heart, When feeling like your going too fast, trying to juggle 50 things at once. As soon as you notice your becoming short of breath, hand on the heart! It reminds you to breath, I often hold my breath during these times so hand on the heart, and breath in, breath out, breath in, breath out. Calms me right down and I’m sure it will for you as well.
Let’s begin this new year with some healthy habits! Hope these little tips will help.
Have a beautiful day!