To start, let’s talk about what mindfulness is? Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, to be fully aware of where we are and what we’re doing. Although we all have this ability in our bodies we often let our mind control our lives and take over our bodies, when this happens we feel anxious.
Here are some handy tips to achieve more balance in your life:
1. Learn to meditate
Meditation begins and ends in the body. It involves taking the time to pay attention to where we are and what’s going on. It starts with being aware of our body. Meditation can relieve stress and anxiety, increase concentration, help you sleep better, and so much more. Just take a seat, close your eyes, relax and follow your breathing. Try to stick to meditation daily, even just for a few minutes a day you will see your life changing for the better.
2. Start journaling
If you are feeling stressed or there are too many anxious thoughts on your mind – try journaling. Journaling will allow you to clarify your thoughts and feelings, thereby gaining valuable self-knowledge. You don’t need to spend a lot of time journaling, just spend 5 minutes every morning writing what you are grateful for or write some of your goals or plans for the day. It’s important to be consistent and make journaling your habit. Find yourself a pretty journal or notebook, your favourite pen, and get writing.
“Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.”
3. Practice self-care
Self-care is really important for us in order to stay in balance. Many of us forget what it feels like to take care of ourselves, as we are always busy working on our goals and achievements. Self-care isn’t a one-time fix; self-care is a constant repetition of small habits that together can make you more stable emotionally, mentally and physically. Start with tiny things like switching all your electronics off and take an hour without checking your social media or emails. Declutter your house – recycle or give away a few things you no longer need or want. Take a quick nap or spend some time by yourself reading your favourite book, visiting a museum or gallery.
4. Practice gratitude
Start or end each day by mentally appreciating one aspect of your life that you are grateful for. Start with being grateful for small things and you will see how your life changes. While there are times when it can be difficult to name one, there is always something to be thankful for in your life. Recognize the fact you are alive today: that’s always something to be grateful for. You don’t only have to be grateful for the good things. In fact, sometimes thinking about negative or difficult situations can help to really nail down what you have to be thankful for.
“There are days I drop words of comfort on myself like falling leaves and remember that it is enough to be taken care of by myself.” -Brian Andreas
5. Move your body
When you are feeling out of balance try to add some movement to your body. Maybe it’s time to try yoga? The physical practice of yoga can be a fantastic place to begin to know yourself, to become intimate enough with yourself that you can ask: What do I need to feel physically and mentally balanced and content? To practice yoga you don’t need to be super strong or flexible, you will only need to practice from within, cultivating a relationship with yourself and exploring your own feelings, thoughts, and relationships to the poses. Start with some gentle yoga at home or sign up for a yoga class at your local yoga studio.
