…but trust me, the payoff is worth it! Focusing on being more present can come with a handful of benefits and positive outcomes. Keep reading to learn about mindfulness, staying in the moment, and being fully there.
To me, I believe that being present means being in a moment with all of your five senses. Okay, so that’s not really so simple, is it?
We live in a world that’s constantly fighting for our attention. Begging us to stray from our thoughts, to jump to the next conclusion, and to get lost in a world of social media.
So, how do we take a step back and re-engage with the world around us?
Learning how to be present requires a sense of mindfulness or a state of awareness. How can one truly be present without having a sense of mindfulness? Of knowing what they’re feeling or experiencing in that moment?
I think it’s safe to say that being present and being mindful go hand-in-hand with each other.
Aside from mindfulness, I also believe that learning how to be present requires an overall healthy mindset.
Are you ready to become more mindful and present? Using these eight tips below, you will be on your way to inviting more presence into your life.
In this technology-driven and hyper-connected world, it’s so easy to get sucked into our phones. Putting down your phone and reducing screen time can allow you to focus on what’s happening in the moment. Without the distraction of a screen, you can focus on being being fully present with the ones you’re with.
The next time you find yourself in a conversation with someone, listen to listen. When we listen to respond we aren’t truly focused on what they’re saying. Instead, we are focused on what we want to say in response to what they’re telling us.
Active listening is a skill that takes patience but the payoff is worth it!
When you’re moving a mile a minute, it’s not only hard to be present but it’s easy to take things for granted. Slow down, take a deep breath, and remember to show thanks for the smallest things in life.
Much like appreciating the small things, creating meditative moments throughout your day is crucial to becoming more present. The next time you find yourself washing your mug, making the bed, or cooking dinner, fully immerse yourself in that task.
Enjoy the satisfaction of a freshly made bed instead of looking at it as another item on your to-do list. I promise you, finding the zen in your chores will create more presence in your daily life.
When you reduce the amount of stuff you have in your home, you reduce the amount of stuff you have in your mind.
Getting rid of things that no longer Spark Joy (à la Marie Kondo) will support you in learning to become more present. The less you have to focus on physically, the more you have a chance to show up and be present. Also, it’s hard to be present when you can’t find your keys for the 57473 time this week. Just sayin’.
Plus, it feels so good to donate things that no longer serve us to help others in need.
Tuning into the subtle signals your body is sending you throughout the day is a great way to become more present. For me, I get a feeling in the pit of my stomach when something isn’t right. When I listen to that cue, I am able to make a quicker, more effective decision that empowers me rather than ignore it completely.
Learning to listen to what your body is communicating to you can teach you a lot about being present in each and every moment. This could be as simple as taking a nap if you’re tired or sitting out on an exercise if you’re too exhausted.
If you’re feeling like you’re ready to move past tip #4, dedicating yourself to a daily meditation practice is a great way to invite more presence into your life. The benefits of meditation are countless, but I can pretty much guarantee you that meditation will allow you to become more aware of your emotions on a daily basis.
Getting still and sitting quietly for just ten minutes a day can greatly improve how and what you’re feeling.
Not sure where to start? I personally love the Headspace app.
Believe it or not, this simple, yet effective, tip can help you become more present in your life. When we acknowledge something and express gratitude, we create a moment in time that we are solely focused on being appreciative.
Saying thank you can help to create that moment.
There are numerous benefits of being more present and mindful throughout your day. The benefits can including a reduction of stress, an increase of gratitude, and a stronger mind/heart/body connection.
When are are more present in our lives, we (hopefully) begin to notice all of the things that are going right in the world. We can let go of our expectations and focus on what’s actually happening.
We get to experience how moments feel, taste, smell, look, and hear.
If we are not present, we miss all of the potential beautiful moments surrounding us at any moment.
For me, one of my favorite experiences when being present is to look at someone’s reaction when we tell them a genuine thank you. Instead of hurrying away or speaking it in a different direction, look the person in the eyes and see how your words positively impact their day.
Believe it or not, mindfulness, being present, and your self care practice go hand-in-hand.
When we are practicing life-changing self-care, we are simultaneously creating more awareness in our lives. We start to take notice of how we’re feeling, what emotions we need to express, how certain things affect us.
Becoming more present in your life can be a fulfilling and truly nourishing form of self-care. You just have to slow down, take a look around, and allow it to happen.
What challenges do you have with being present?
xo –
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