Mindfulness
In these hectic and, at times, highly stressful times, it is difficult to find time to be mindful and present throughout our experiences.
It is important to our mental health to dedicate time for ourselves to relax, take a step back, and be present with what we’re doing. Mindfulness is a way to be fully present in our actions and thoughts in a nonjudgmental manner. At times, it can be difficult to truly enjoy our experiences because our minds are so preoccupied in thoughts of the future instead of being focused on the here and now. Practicing mindfulness techniques can help you stay focused in the present and increase your productivity, assisting you in working toward your goals. Below are some tips to being more mindful throughout your day.
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- Learn to meditate. Meditation can work to calm the flow of constant thoughts you may experience, which can greatly help you to focus on the present. Dedicating one minute per day to sitting quietly while focusing on your breath can be a great way to begin your journey of becoming a more mindful person.
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- Deep breathing/pay attention to your natural breath. Practicing breathing techniques is a great way to enhance your mindfulness around the feelings you experience pertaining to your body. It is also a great way to enhance your relaxation skills.
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- Do one thing at a time. Instead of multitasking (which we now know does not actually exist), work to stay present by focusing on doing one thing at a time. This can lessen your anxiety and tendency to experience rapid, future oriented thoughts and nervousness.
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- Choose an affirmation that you connect with and repeat it to yourself when you find yourself drifting out of a present mindset.
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- Don’t allow your thoughts to wander for too long. If you find yourself losing focus, that’s ok. Allowing your thoughts to wander throughout the day is completely normal. When you notice your thoughts wandering, just gently bring them back to the present or to the desired focus.
Being mindful takes practice. Don’t be discouraged or give up. If you find you are struggling with an issue in your life or would like to work on incorporating mindfulness techniques into your life, we are here to help!