I have to admit, there was a time, not too long ago when I thought mindfulness was for other people. When I thought of mindfulness, I thought of little yoga bodies in meditation poses while gongs were rang in the background. Not that that sounds terrible, but who has time to dedicate to that in the real world?
Then one day, in the middle of an anxiety attack, a very wise woman told me that sometimes you have to take things one second at a time. In that high energy moment, what is one thing you can focus on. Did it get you to the next second? Look at that! You are being mindful.
Life can feel like a constant race from one task to the next, leaving little room to breathe. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be that way. Mindfulness isn’t about meditating on a mountaintop or setting aside hours you don’t have. It’s about finding small, intentional moments of presence throughout your day.
Let’s explore a few easy ways to bring mindfulness into your daily routine—even if you’re short on time.
Start Small, Start Simple
The beauty of mindfulness is that it doesn’t require perfection. It’s not about clearing your mind completely or doing it “right.” It’s about showing up. A great way to begin is by turning everyday moments into mindful moments.
- Mindful Eating: Take a few extra seconds to notice the textures and flavors of your food. Whether it’s breakfast or a snack, pause to really taste what you’re eating.
- Mindful Breathing: Anytime you feel overwhelmed, stop and take three deep breaths. Close your eyes if it helps. You’d be amazed at how calming it can be.
These small moments don’t just calm the mind—they help you feel more connected to your day.
Digital Detox in Action
Remember our earlier chat about putting your phone away for the first hour of the morning? That same principle applies here. Try carving out mini phone-free zones throughout the day. It could be during lunch, a walk, or even while waiting in line. It’s a chance to tune in to what’s happening around you.
A Grounding Practice
One of my favorite ways to reset is through grounding—focusing on what you can see, hear, and feel in the present moment. For example, when I’m out on a walk, I pay attention to the rustle of leaves, the way my feet feel on the ground, or the scent of the air. It’s simple, but it pulls me out of my head and into the moment.
Why It Works: Mindfulness helps us pause and savor life’s small details, creating balance in even the busiest days.
Try This Today: Choose one activity—eating, walking, or even washing your hands—and do it mindfully. Just for a minute or two, focus fully on the sensations and experience.
