Easy Tips for Being More Mindful Everyday

A healthy life isn’t just about our bodies. It is also about our minds. I know there are so many areas that I need to be more focused and pay attention. Being more mindful of what is around me and what people are saying. Even simple things, like eating, can be improved with focus.

Working on becoming more mindful in daily tasks is something I am working on. I chose the lotus flower as the image for this post for a reason. According to Wikipedia, the symbolism for the lotus is:

In Buddhist symbolism the lotus is symbolic of purity of the body, speech, and mind as while rooted in the mud, its flowers blossom on long stalks as if floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. It is also symbolic of detachment as drops of water easily slide off its petals.

I think we all need some sort of purity of mind as we strive for peace and quietness.

So what is Mindfulness really and how can it affect us and our healthy mind?

Mindfulness is all about tuning the brain to focus on the present moment. This happens when putting all emphasis on traditional activities practiced alongside mindfulness, such as meditation or yoga.

However, mindfulness can be applied in our daily lives. By focusing on the here and now, this gives us greater peace of mind and clarity.

There are many simple ways to practice mindfulness. Here are 3 ways you can apply to become more mindful every day.

Easy Tips for Being More Mindful Everyday

1. Mindful Eating

Eating mindfully is something that many people take for granted. All too often we are in a hurry to finish a meal only to miss enjoying one of life’s most simple and wonderful pleasures. So how do you eat mindfully?

Before you begin eating, take notice of the presentation of food and the scent. Remember to take small bites and chew slowly while paying attention to the texture and taste of the food. When you immerse yourself fully in the moment, this not only makes mindful eating more enjoyable, but also helps with digestion and prevents overeating.

2. Listen Mindfully

Conversations with other people present another great opportunity to put active mindfulness into practice. Sometimes when other people talk to us, we may be there physically but not listening fully. We may be thinking about what to say next/. Maybe we are judging what is being said, mentally agreeing or disagreeing with them before they even finish talking.

To listen with mindfulness, focus fully on others when they are speaking. Next time you have a conversation with a loved one or colleague, avoid getting caught up in your own mental chatter. Pay attention to what they are saying. People appreciate when you truly listen and they will likely respond in kind when it is your turn to speak.

3. Less Multi-Tasking

In today’s fast paced world, multitasking has become a common trend as people attempt to get more done within a short amount of time. And, while people think that multitasking makes us more productive, it only leads to quick exhaustion in your mind and spirit.

When your mind tires quickly, mistakes are bound to be made. This can be avoided by doing things one at a time and with mindfulness.

When you take on tasks with full focus, one by one, this leaves little room for mistakes or forgetting things due to rushing. You will find that you are more efficient and less worn out when focusing on each task one at time.

There are plenty of other opportunities in our daily lives to be mindful and live fully in the moment. By practicing mindfulness on a daily basis, the brain eventually learns how to be more efficient and better integrated.

You will start to experience improved focus and be less distracted. Stress levels will go down as well. This in turn will make your daily activities, thoughts, attitudes, and perceptions more balanced. Something we all have need to work on.