8 Mindfulness Habits - You Can Practice Everyday
When life gets busy, taking time out to mindfully meditate may be the last thing on your mind. And yet, it also could be one of the easiest and most restorative parts of your day. The good news is there is no right or wrong way to practice mindfulness – and you can do it any time of the day for any duration. There are many ways that we can practice mindfulness throughout the day that don’t require a dedicated timeframe. Surprisingly enough, you can see changes in your daily life and stress levels by adding a 3-minute mindfulness practice. Mindfulness can look and feel different for every person and how we engage in these practices can change with each day.Here are eight mindfulness habits you can incorporate into your daily routine – we encourage you to find what feels best for you:
Meditation – Dedicating as little as 5 minutes to sit quietly and clear your mind can help you feel more connected for the rest of your day. Meditating in the morning and at night is usually the most beneficial for those with tight timeframes and hectic daily schedules.
Spending Time in Nature – A 2019 study found that spending two hours in nature each week is associated with better health and well-being. Connecting to nature is a great way to incorporate mindfulness into your day.
Practicing Positivity – Taking moments to practice intentional gratitude and self-compassion is an excellent way to connect to the present moment each day.
Mindful Eating – Focusing on how your body and mind feel while you eat is a simple way to practice mindfulness throughout your day. Chewing each bite and tasting the flavors, listening to your body’s cues to when you feel hungry or satiated can make a big impact on your mind and body throughout the day.
Keeping a Journal – Writing down your thoughts and feelings – both physical and emotional - can help you become more attuned to how your mind and body are connected and driven by outside forces.
Body Scanning – Taking even just five minutes to conduct a body scan and check-in with your body is a great way to incorporate mindfulness into your every day.
Turning Off Your Phone – Taking time off social media to be more present in our lives can allow us the space to be more present with ourselves, our relationships, and our physical spaces.
Moving Your Body – Taking a walk, practicing yoga, going for a run, or trying another form of physical exercise is a great way to get in-tune with your mind and body. Many find that sitting still can be difficult but can practice mindfulness more easily when they are on the move.