We live in a fast paced society and things can get overwhelming. On a daily basis, we all have a lot to check off of our to-do lists. Maybe you’re cramming for finals, responding to an urgent work email, or taking care of your family. Today, we also face so many distractions due to an increase in technology. It’s hard to imagine even a day without our phones! When we practice mindfulness, we learn to slow things down in our busy digital age.
A Few Tips Mindfulness Exercises
Spend time in nature, even if it’s just your backyard.
The sounds and sights of a bustling city are fun, but overstimulating. Sometimes, it’s nice to get away and enjoy a quieter atmosphere. Nothing is quite as relaxing as being in nature. Plus, it’s a great way to take in the present moment.
Pay attention to how you’re nourishing your body through food.
We all have been there. It’s 8 am and you’re rushing to work. You’re already running late and are in a state of panic. Maybe you grab a granola bar and rush out the door. On the other hand, you might decide to skip breakfast altogether.
Meditate for a few moments and listen to your body’s signals.
While researching for this post, I found that body scanning is another common way to practice mindfulness.
It’s about noticing your body’s signs and having a deeper sense of self awareness. Close your eyes for a moment and pay attention to different parts of your body as you breathe deeply
Recite positive affirmations and avoid judgement.
Has this ever happened to you? Someone you love gives you a compliment and you immediately reject their words? Unfortunately, we all experience feelings of self doubt. Often times, it’s even more challenging to pay yourself a compliment. It isn’t easy to let go of inner-judgement or a feeling that you need to do more.
Have a Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and TV freeze.
We’re all used to having various forms of media at our disposal. It’s tempting to binge watch, especially with the rise of streaming services like Hulu and Netflix. While the occasional binge watch session is fun, we should be mindful of how we are consuming media.
What are some other calming mindfulness exercises for adults? How do you think you can be more mindful in your daily life?
Grab an iced coffee & stay a while!