How to be mindful in all areas of your life

Being more authentically mindful is something that many of us could use more of in all kinds of different aspects of our lives, both at home and at work. Mindfulness is about being aware of and appreciating the current moment rather than stressing about what may or may not happen in the future (especially if there is nothing you can do about it either way). It may take some time to get used to being mindful, but particular activities can help you on your mindfulness journey. Here are some suggestions for incorporating mindfulness into all aspects of your life, including usually stressful ones.

 

Photo by Matheus Natan from Pexels

Chores

Everyone has tasks to perform around the home, but they are not usually all that enjoyable. Housework consumes a significant part of our time when we could be doing anything else, therefore we often (although not always) resent doing it, even to the point of actually disliking it. Even the term 'chore' has a negative connotation. 

However, what if you could convert those tasks into a chance to practice mindfulness? Focus all of your energy and strength on one job the next time you have to wash laundry, cook supper, or clean the bathroom, for example. Don't let yourself get side-tracked. Be completely involved, and don't hurry to do the job; do it as well as you can, and the time it takes is unimportant. Take note of the scents and textures. Look at the colors and patterns. They are all over the place.

Work

Work may be the most challenging environment in which to develop mindfulness. There is always a lot of demand on you from all sides, and it's difficult to find some space and time to meditate, let alone allow yourself to be in the present. However, it is possible to do so in the majority of workplaces. Break periods are ideal for making the most of the present moment. Rather than staring at the clock and lamenting the fact that time is passing away and you must return to your desk, be happy about the fact that you still have twenty minutes, ten minutes, five minutes, and one minute to enjoy. If you're drinking coffee, take a minute to watch the milk swirl and smell the distinct aroma. If you're outdoors, look at the clouds and take large, deep breaths. If you don't have time to do any of this and your employer won't let you, looking for a job that allows you to be as healthy as possible is a smart option. You have to take care of yourself. 

Eating

What was once a joy is now simply something that needs to be done so that you can go on to the next thing, as is the case with many things these days. For many individuals, eating has taken on this form. Instead of this, consider your meal as an event in and of itself, rather than something you have to hurry through in order to go back to your desk or to get a good night's sleep in order to be ready for work the following day.

Turn off all distractions when eating. There will be no television, music, or electrical gadgets. It's just the food. Examine it. Take a whiff. Taste it. Eat using small bites and mouthfuls, and then chew gently. This is healthier for you, and it enables you to enjoy the meal and the occasion more. If you can enjoy creating the food and be mindful too, whether you're making this cabbage soup with hamburger, an omelet, or a full-blown dinner party, that will also be very helpful. 

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this post was written with the Life According to Steph audience in mind