Staying present is challenging, even for someone like me, who’s dedicated her life to trying to be more positive and present. Mindfulness is especially when dealing with difficult times, but that’s precisely when we most need to practice being present — when we find it hard to do so!
There is no shortage of tips and tricks for being more mindful, but I’ve rounded up my six favorites. My new book, Into the Moment: A Journal and Coloring Book to Inspire Mindful Creativity, is included in one of them because, from years of experience, I’ve learned just how important mindful creativity can be to making the most of your moments.
Creativity is one of the best ways to practice mindfulness, but it can sometimes be difficult to know how to get started (especially if you don’t consider yourself a creative type) so I created Into the Moment to help with that. It’s a coloring book and journal filled with activities, quotes, and prompts to inspire mindful creativity.
Whether it’s through creativity or one of these other suggestions, I hope these ideas help you find ways to the present moment because, truly, it’s all that we have.
How to Be in the Moment
- Avoid Over-Scheduling Your Time. The more slowly you’re able to do something, the easier it is to be mindful while doing it. But if you have lots on your plate and your planner is jam-packed, it’s going to be hard to go slowly. Whenever possible, keep your schedule open and give yourself extra time to get things done. Not rushing will allow you to slow down, which leads us to our next point…
- Be Grateful For Life’s Little Delights. When you’re going slowly, you’re able to more easily notice the little things in life. If you’re driving slowly, you’re going to see autumn leaves floating down from the treetops. Regardless of your pace, do your best to look around you and notice the little things. Start a gratitude journal if you can. They’re cliche, but they really encourage mindfulness.
- Switch Up Your Regular Routines. When you’re doing the same thing day in and day out, it’s hard to be mindful. Everything gets set on autopilot. When you can, try to take a different route to work or school. Or do a task in a different order. Or try something new for a meal. When you’re experiencing something new (or from a new point of view), it’s easier for your mind to pay attention and be in the moment.
- Tune Into What You’re Feeling In Your Body. Your body is a gateway to the present moment. When you take time to notice what you’re feeling, you’re instantly bringing yourself into the moment. If you find yourself struggling to be mindful, take notice of what your body is feeling, and you’ll be connecting to the moment. The great thing about this is that you always have your body with you so you can use it as a mindfulness tool wherever you are!
- Do Something Mindful & Creative. For me, the easiest way to bring myself into the present moment is to do something creative. When I’m creative is when I’m most likely to get in the flow state (that state of mind when you’re so engaged in the present that you forget about time altogether). If you struggle to feel creative, check out books like Into the Moment that can help you connect to your creativity.
- Spend Time In Nature (Without Your Phone!). Of course, you’ve heard it before: connecting with nature helps you return to the moment. It’s a mindfulness cliche, but it’s for good reason. Being in the natural world, even if it’s in a city park surrounded by skyscrapers, helps ground you into the moment. When you find yourself disconnected from the present, put your phone away and step outside. You’ll be back to the moment in no time!
These are only a few of the many ways you can make it easier to practicing being present, so if none of these feel like the right fit, I highly recommend you peruse the mindfulness section of the blog for additional ideas. Staying present is so important, and it’s rarely easy to do, but the effort is worth it.
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