I’m still very much a beginner when it comes to meditation and mindfulness but even with the little practice I do have I have seen huge benefits. This year I am trying to find simple ways to include mindfulness into every day and today I thought I would share them with you too! I’d love to hear how you practice mindfulness as well, the more ways the better that’s for sure!
1. Single Tasking
Single tasking is when you do just one thing at a time, and really pay attention to what it is you’re doing and what you’re trying to achieve. This has been a big one for me as I’m always trying to do multiple things at once and then find myself not really enjoying or paying attention to any of the things I’m doing! So now I’m trying to really embrace single tasking (for certain tasks at least!) and allow myself to properly focus on the task at hand in a mindful way.
2. Mindful Eating
I don’t know about you, but if I eat a meal while doing something like scrolling through instagram or listening to a podcast I often find myself eating the whole thing without really paying any attention to it at all. This isn’t good for your digestion, and definitely doesn’t allow you to properly enjoy what it is you’re eating. So now meal times are screen free and I properly focus on what it is I cooked and really savour the flavours and textures. I’m finding it a huge improvement on meal times and would highly recommend giving it a try.
3. Creative Pursuits
Really focusing in on a creative pursuit like colouring, knitting, gardening or whatever else takes your fancy can be a great way to introduce some mindfulness into every day, especially if you combine it with single tasking! Focus in on the enjoyment it brings you, what you’re achieving and how it makes you feel and you’ll be bringing some great stillness and simplicity into your life. I’ve been loving pottering about in my balcony garden which has the added benefit of giving me delicious herbs and veggies to enjoy in my food too! I’ve also pulled out my colouring book again and have been carving out a little time to just sit and colour when I find myself getting overly stressed or tired. It really does work a treat!
4. Taking Time Outdoors
I find taking some time outdoors and just sitting amongst nature is an amazing way to practice mindfulness. It doesn’t need to be for long, but giving myself time to pay attention to nature and stopping to smell the roses (or at least admiring them!) does wonders for clearing my mind. Most work days I take a walk on my lunchbreak to a nearby park and just sit on the grass and watch the world around me and it leaves me refreshed and ready to hit the afternoon running.
5. Mindful Walking
Speaking of walking, as someone who walks pretty much everywhere I tend to use that time to listen to the multitude of podcasts that I’m subscribed to. It’s great for that outcome, but does mean I don’t tend to pay attention to pretty much anything else along my walk, so at least once a day I practice mindful walking instead. This simply means that I unplug my headphones, pop my phone away and just walk, paying attention to my surroundings and focussing in on my thoughts and how I’m feeling in the moment. It’s amazing what you notice when you’re not completely absorbed in a podcast!
6. Stretching
I try and start every morning with a gentle stretching routine and I use that time to focus in on how my body is feeling at the time, particularly as I move through a sequence of stretches. It’s an excellent way to start the day and ensures I kick things off in a gentle, mindful manner. It doesn’t need to take long either, just a short morning stretch is enough to introduce mindfulness into every day, I highly recommend it!
There we have it, my favourite small ways to introduce mindfulness into every day. I’d love to hear your suggestions too!
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
Moni | Thoughts of a Moni
March 2, 2016 at 8:44 am (8 years ago)These are lovely tips. I really need to pull out my colouring book again! I got it for Christmas, but I just haven’t had time to colour since then!
I also try and start each day with a 5 minute meditation. Even if there are no other visible benefits so far, it at least allows me to disconnect from the world and give me time to myself.
Mindful eating is a good one. We always eat in front of the TV. I might try and do at least 1 meal a week at the table, with no screens.
Moni | Thoughts of a Moni recently posted…Taking Stock – February 2016
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
March 10, 2016 at 6:19 am (8 years ago)Definitely pull out the colouring book, they’re so good!
merilyn
March 3, 2016 at 8:12 am (8 years ago)thanks liz! always inspiring me!
or jogging my memory!
I try to be mindful, with most of the above!
“the power of now” eckhart tolle
is a worthwhile book to have! … it’s my loose bible! … many great strategies in there!
enjoy every moment! much love m:)X
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
March 10, 2016 at 6:20 am (8 years ago)Ooh that’s been on my to-read list for ages, I think it’s time I actually got my hands on it! xx
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid
March 6, 2016 at 11:58 am (8 years ago)I’m more mind full rather than mindful so I think I’ll find these tips super handy! We’re trying really hard to be more screen free and I love the idea of mindful walking – I must try that – it’s the little things that can make a big difference, don’t you think?
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted…The Ultimate Rabbit Hole #57
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
March 10, 2016 at 6:20 am (8 years ago)Definitely, I’m all about the little things! Glad you found this helpful lady xx