Being more mindful is about learning to become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, senses, and experiences, which over time will help you to become more content. So if you’re struggling to find any sense of who you are and what you feel, read on for our advice on how to be more mindful.
How to be More Mindful
Slow down
Whether it’s pausing to notice the weather, getting up a little earlier to take your time with your morning routine and really savour that first sip of coffee or tea, or slowing down to notice your breathing, hitting the slow-mo button on many of our daily processes can really help us to notice the beauty of each moment.
Have you ever noticed how wonderful rain sounds against the window when you’re cosy inside? No? Then take some time to slow down and notice the small things.
Learn breathwork
I know that you’re probably thinking that knowing how to breathe is a given, and of course, if it wasn’t you wouldn’t be here. However, the type of breathwork that’s great to learn is deep and slow.
By learning to control your breathing and to inhale deep and long breaths and then to release them for just as long, provides our body with the oxygen it’s starved of when we are stressed, anxious, busy, worried, or whatever other taxing emotions hit you and you start to take those panicky, short and shallow breaths.
When your body received the oxygen that it’s been looking for, it will naturally calm.
Add into this that by focusing on timing your breath, you are in a type of meditative state, which will help you to focus your brain away from any negative/overwhelming thoughts that have been keeping you hostage.
Get up earlier
It’s not always easy to have the luxury of time to slow down and notice the small things. If you’re able, setting your alarm an hour earlier can really allow you the time to slowly come around in a morning. To enter into your day in a more slow and calm way. A way where you have the time to enjoy your coffee, or the taste of breakfast. A quiet 10 minutes of reflection.
This can set the tone for your entire day, so is definitely worth trying!
Lower your amount of screen time
The instant gratification that we are all used to thanks to the increase in use of technology, means that we are so far separated from being patient, and taking time with things.
They are also extremely detrimental to our focus and our ability to hear our own body and mind. Cutting back the screen time means you’ll have more time to learn about yourself.
By gradually detoxing from those addictive, endless scrolling apps, you’ll have better focus to hear your own thoughts and feelings and consider what it is your body is telling you it needs or feels.
Scrolling is a form of numbing the brain. But it is vital that we don’t block out our feelings, thoughts, and emotions, even if they’re negative. The only way to become self-aware and more mindful, is to recognise and appreciate all of our thoughts and feelings.
I hope you’ve found these tips on how to be more mindful helpful. It can be a slow learning process but being more mindful in all aspects of life can really help you to enjoy your everyday moments, and to help you find contentment.
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