Find Your ‘Om’ with Five Easy Steps

Practice simple ways to make mindfulness part of your daily life

26 Mar 2024

3min

Discover the art of mindfulness with five simple steps to infuse tranquility into your daily life. Set intentions each morning, practice deep breathing, embrace moments of waiting, tune into your body's movements, and savor meals with full awareness. These practices promote focus, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

You may be looking to make your daily grind a little less grindy. Or perhaps, you’re craving a routine that feels like a breath of fresh air. Here’s a little secret: practice mindfulness. It’s like hitting pause on autopilot mode and diving headfirst into the present. It also keeps you grounded, heightens your awareness, and helps you embrace a more positive outlook on life.

Mindfulness can easily become a part of your everyday life through simple techniques that help clear your mind and focus on the here and now. Proponents and experts stand by its benefits, claiming it boosts concentration, reduces anxiety, and enhances overall happiness.

Intrigued? We’ve got you! Let's delve more into this practice and find out how you can sprinkle a healthy dose of mindfulness into your daily routine!

Think It, Be It

Intentionality is key to mindfulness – it's about directing your focus from the moment you open your eyes. It allows us to make deliberate choices that can help maintain a positive mindset and to reach our goals with clarity. So, as you rise each morning, set the intention to approach your day with mindfulness.

Breathe Brilliantly

Practicing the 4-7-8 breathing technique can be very beneficial. This involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. It might even help you get to sleep!

Embrace the Art of Doing Nothing

Whether it's a long queue at the supermarket or gridlock traffic, waiting can get the best out of anyone. Instead of letting frustration take over, you can use these moments to practice mindfulness. Focus on your breath going in through your nose and the sensation of air filling your lungs and then exiting through your mouth. Although it may take some time to master this, slowly but surely, you will notice your body starting to relax. So, the next time that you find yourself in these mundane situations, remember that they are also opportunities that can do wonders for your overall well-being.

Groove to Your Body’s Rhythm

Have you ever stopped to pay attention to the movement of your body while you’re walking or sitting down? Like many everyday activities, these have become second nature to us. But paying attention to these small actions is a big step towards achieving mindfulness. If you find yourself zoning out, try paying attention to the sensations of movement. Notice how your muscles engage as you walk, or how your feet connect with the ground. It's a simple yet effective way to recenter your focus.

Feast with Focus

Amid life's frantic pace, meals often become an afterthought – hurried or skipped altogether. But eating should be a pleasure, not a chore. Next mealtime, savor each bite. Observe how the food makes you feel. Its tastes, the satisfaction it brings, and pay attention to the fullness of your body. Don’t get us wrong. It is not about being perfect in your diet. Mindful eating is all about being fully present when you prepare, cook, and eat your food. Not only does this practice cultivate mindfulness, but it also enhances your dining experience.

By incorporating these small habits into your daily routine, you'll gradually feel more present and aware of your actions.

More references:

Mindfulness exercises: See how mindfulness helps you live in the moment. Mayo Clinic, 2022.
5 Simple Mindfulness Practices for Daily Life. Mindful, 2018.
5 Science-Backed Reasons Mindfulness Meditation Is Good for Your Health. Mindful, 2018.

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