Take a break - Mindfulness and the Power of Being Present

Chances are you’ve heard the term mindful before. You’re supposed to be it to relieve stress, you’re supposed to be it while you eat, and you’re supposed to engage in special activities like yoga or meditation in order to achieve it.

When you think of all the times you’re supposed to be mindful, it comes off sounding complicated, and, well, like one more thing to add to your already lengthy to-do list.

The truth is being mindful is the opposite of all that. Mindfulness is simply harnessing the power of being present, of being aware of, and in complete control of your own experience. And that's exactly what it is: powerful.

Being mindful allows you to focus your attention, take a step back, and observe your own thoughts and feelings. Incorporating a mindfulness practice will help you understand your own human emotions, and you can start small! With that in mind, here are a handful of super simple ways you can incorporate the power of being mindful in your life on a daily basis, no to-do list, yoga classes or meditation session required (unless you enjoy those things, that is!)

Easy Ways to be Mindful

• Stretch First Thing

As soon as you get up in the morning, before you check your phone or even brush your teeth, try doing some simple stretches to start your day. Take deep breaths while you reach your arms overhead or reach for your toes. This practice will start your day off with balance and give you energy for the day.

• Drink water...All. Day. Long.

Start with a tall glass of water as your first drink of the day - and keep going! Staying hydrated is important for all of your body’s vital processes, so keeping your water bottle on hand will help show gratitude to your own body, help you centre you and keep your energy levels up.  

•  Get outside!

Stress reduction is one of the most well-known benefits of the power of nature, so take some time to just be outside. You can go for a walk, hit the beach, take a hike, go for a leisurely bike ride, plant something new in your garden, or just sit. But get outside and reap the benefits of nature and a little bonus vitamin D.

• Airplane Mode

Give yourself some time and space away from the distraction of your cell phone and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. Put your phone or tablet on airplane mode when you’re out with friends, with your kids, in a meeting, talking with your partner, or just when you want some actual alone time. You’ll be surprised how freeing it will feel! 

• Enjoy your Meals

I mentioned meals earlier as one of the times you’re supposed to be mindful, but don’t worry, it isn’t that complicated! Each time you sit for a meal, make sure that is the only thing you’re doing. No multitasking at the table! Chew your food slowly, enjoy the texture and the taste. Put down your fork between bites and be present with your own company. Chances are you’ll enjoy your food more than ever and by eating slowly you’ll be more able to notice your own satiety cues, so you will be satisfied with less.

• Keep it Moving

Usually, being mindful means sloooowing it down. But I’m going to throw you a curveball here. If you work in an office or spend the majority of your day sitting down, you can be mindful by setting reminders to get up and move your body. Try to dedicate at least five minutes out of each hour to getting out of your chair, taking a stroll around the office or doing some stretches at your desk. Listen to 

The art of being mindful will help you harness the power of being present, and be more open to understanding your feelings and emotions. These easy suggestions for being more mindful can help you step back, slow down, and be more present in your life. What are some of your favourite things to incorporate each day that make a difference in being more Mindful?

“Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn