Mindful Moments
Do you ever feel so busy that life just seems to pass you by? One minute you’re stuck in traffic and the next you somehow end up at home at the dinner table. Taking a moment to yourself can help you feel more relaxed, less anxious and calmer. Here are some tips to make the best of those moments:
Start Your Day Off Right. When you wake up the first thing you might start to think about is all the things you have to do and already start to feel anxious and stressed out. Take a moment at the start of your day to breathe and write down the things you need to accomplish.
Find Moments for Yourself. You may be already having a stress-filled day and doing one task after another, so you want to make sure you have a bit of time for self-care to recharge. Take two or three minutes to yourself to recenter and organize your thoughts. If you have the time, try listening to calm and soothing music.
Take Advantage of Your Commute. When commuting home from work, plan to use this time to de-stress. Whether you are driving or are taking public transportation, practice a moment of mindfulness. You can do this by concentrating on your breathing and listening to the sounds around you.
Be Sure to Eat. If nothing else, taking a pause in your day to eat will give you energy as well as a moment of rest. Notice the taste and smell of your food. Chew slowly and take pleasure in the experience of eating.
Cultivating some mindful moments in your day can help you avoid being on auto-pilot and be present instead. Visit the Mindfulness Toolkit for more ideas and resources.
