Mindfulness has grown in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Just a few minutes a day of meditation, or a quiet activity such as painting or colouring, can give your brain the rest it needs to refresh. Our brains are bombarded with a constant stream of information, and they are mighty clever organs, but there’s a limit for everything!
Being mindful is the art of being fully present in whatever you are doing.
Not being distracted by what’s around us, just focussing on the single moment you are in and whatever you are doing. What you hear, feel, smell or see; and allowing yourself to acknowledge all these things. To be able to do this for even the shortest time without your mind wondering, or noticing a distraction is very difficult, because we are so well trained at constantly multitasking, but it has a calming effect that enables you to relax.
So here are a few quick ways you can practice something mindful:
Take a minute and be present. Maybe you’re waiting for the kettle to boil or walking through the park, but just stop and notice everything around you; the air on your face, the rhythm of your breathing, and enjoy the peace.
Grab a pen and paper. Try a few minutes of free doodling, or get an adult colouring book, and give yourself a short break for a bit of creativity.
Do something you love, and immerse yourself in it. Read a book without the radio on or other people around, or go for a run and really focus on your steps and your breathing.
There’s an app for everything, so try something mindful with one of the many, many apps available. You can get five minute yoga workouts, or apps like Headspace that will guide you through mindfulness with a ten minute session a day.
The key is to find something that works for you, that helps you feel relaxed, refreshed, and more centered. Try something new, and just start with a few minutes a day until it becomes routine. Go find the new, mindful you!
About this Author:
Liz Pusey is a 30-something blogger (her amazing blog: Being Millie's Mum can be found here) and social media manager from Southampton. She’s also a mum, dog owner, wife and communications professional working for the NHS, as well as a lover of cheese, wine and books.
