To be honest, mindfulness is not a state to achieve; it’s the slow learning process to exercise. In today’s fast-moving world, where one has a little time to notice one’s thoughts or to feel the present moment, mindfulness has become the need. Our minds are too much crowded with dozens of pieces of information and new ideas, always getting up the spark, but are not able to act upon them all. The simple reason for the lack of consistency or satisfaction is not practicing mindfulness.
5 Simple Ways to Practice Mindfulness Daily
Here are 5 most easy-to-do practices in daily life to be present in the moment.
Notice Your Breath Pattern;
Breathing is what we do every time, every second of the day without noticing its pattern. But, the way we breathe and how we observe it greatly affects our state of mind. Noticing breathing patterns is one of the most effective ways to calm the mind and return it to the present moment.
Let’s do a simple mindfulness exercise;
- Sit comfortably with your hands on leyourgs or in a very relaxed state.
- Close the eyes.
- Inhale deeply for 3-4 seconds.
- Hold for 1-2 seconds.
- Exhale the air deeply in 4-6 seconds (longer than the inhalation).
- Repeat for some times to observe the pattern and calm the mind noise.
I hope you’d find it super relaxing and simple to do it. You can also read more about breathing meditation guidelines by Harvard Professionals here.
Focus on What You Have;
We get what we put our focus into. If we focus on what’s missing, we’ll get the same in return. So, it is always advised by saints, mentors, and many successful people to focus on what you have-practice gratitude. Keep having the thankful behavior in life with God and with yourself, not the opposite.
It’s a good practice to just count the 3 blessings or 3 good things before going to bed that happened to you in that day. It soothes the mind and helps it to stay in the present with positivity ahead.
Single Tasking is the Key to Mindfulness;
Multitasking is good only when it is highly necessary, not every time. It reduces the authenticity or quality of all the tasks you’re doing at a single time. By focusing on a single task at a single time is highly calming activity for the mind. It really enjoys it!
Mostly, while eating or studying, it is not a good practice to divert your mind in other chores. Just focus on what you are doing at a time. Set priorities!
Reduce the Digital Noise;
Digital noise is full of new information, loads of spicy news, creepy news too, that makes it addictive and mind-draining. I think this is one of the biggest reason for why people struggling with mindfulness. It shortens the attention span, which is highly dangerous for the mind to ripe.
So, reduce the digital noise as much as possible and focus on real relationships with human physical interactions, going out in public, in cafes to make new friends and talk or chat with them in real. By encouraging the physical connections with humans or nature, mindfulness will not be struggling practice then.
Connect with the Nature;
Our minds cognitively feel calm in the nature as it’s the innate environment for human beings. By seeing the sky, the greenery, the water, these are the natural elements that make us feel good and safe.
When we are surrounded by the nature, feel-good hormones naturally releases and calms us, encouraging mindfulness.
Conclusion
Mindfulness is not a way to live life or follow some path, it’s a continuous practice. Practice to notice your thoughts, conscious of yourself, remain connected, and focus on the present- not past, not future. Not only when life is going good and the mind is calm, but also when things are seem to happen in another way or not aligning.
So, what practice do you feel is most easy and effective to practice mindfulness. Let us know in the comments.