3 Simple Exercises to Practice Mindfulness

We live in a busy world. Our mind is always occupied with things to do, plans for the future, worries, insecurities, and irrational fears. We don’t have spare time to waste because of our tight schedules and yet, depression and anxiety still find their way to creep in. Thinking too much can drain you and not giving time for yourself to breathe and rest can lead to several mental health problems. Slow down. Take deep breathes. Relax. This is mindfulness in a nutshell and what you probably need right now.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE MINDFUL?

To be mindful is to live in the present, with no worries of tomorrow and no obsessions of the past. When you are mindful, you are AWARE of your current thoughts and feelings and you ACCEPT them. You don’t judge them as good or bad. All your feelings are valid but always remember that they are temporary.

WHAT DO I GET FROM BEING MINDFUL??

Mindfulness is a self-care proven to improve overall well-being. Why do Buddhists look so calm and peaceful as if they carry no problems in life? It’s because they already have mastered the art of meditation. Mindfulness gives us the inner peace we always crave for. When we slow down and give ourselves time to relax, we not only lower our stress level but also protect ourselves from depression and anxiety.

HOW DO I PRACTICE MINDFULNESS?

Practicing mindfulness is easy. You just simply give yourself a break from all your commitments and spend time alone in a quiet environment. You can practice mindfulness inside your house by sitting on a couch or outside by taking a walk with nature. Here are 3 things you can do to be mindful:

1. FOCUS ON YOUR BREATHING

Take deep breaths whenever you feel stressed, anxious or you feel like exploding with anger. Close your eyes. Inhale. Exhale. Shift your focus on your breathing rather than the stressors from the outside world. We often make bad decisions when we are angry.

Calm yourself down with a breathing exercise before you act.

2. LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Thinking of what ifs and worrying about the future can do you no good. There’s nothing you can do with what has already been done, instead focus in the present and savor every moments of your life. Positive thinking can make your world beautiful despite the ugly sides of it.

3. PAY ATTENTION

Listen to your thoughts, feel all your emotions and acknowledge your senses. They all are valid and tell a lot of things about you. When you listen to yourself, you get to learn more about who you are.

A healthy lifestyle includes mindfulness. Give time for yourself because in the end, it’s the only thing that you will have.