Meditation and mindfulness can benefit your health and wellbeing by training your mind to observe your thoughts as they flow through your mind. While many assume that meditation is sitting quietly with your eyes closed, there are actually many other ways to practice this technique that you incorporate in your daily routine. Here are some different ways to practice mindful activities throughout your day:
- This technique is the easiest of all because you can practice it anywhere! Try inhaling for four counts, holding the breath for four counts, and exhaling for eight counts. This practice helps calm your mind and centers your body.
- Take a moment to write about what you are feeling or whatever thoughts are on your mind. Notice the amount of pressure you put on the pen as you write and how the ink bleeds on the paper. This technique helps you to be present with your thoughts.
- Be creative. Set aside time to work on an art project, such as painting, drawing, or coloring. Be fully engaged with your project by turning off any potential distractions as you completely focus on your piece.
- Take a walk. Taking a walk helps to release endorphins that relieve stress while also giving you an energy boost. Spending time outside in nature can also be meditative. Inviting a friend is also beneficial as social interaction also helps to reduce stress.
- Drink hot tea or water. Dedicate five minutes to enjoying a hot cup of tea or water. Close your eyes and try to focus on feeling the warmth of the liquid.
- Cooking can be a very powerful creative outlet to help relieve stress. Focus intentionally on the task at hand whether it’s chopping, grinding, or sautéing. Cooking with certain herbs and spices can also have an aromatherapy effect.
- Listen to music. Listen to every word in the lyrics and try to decipher every instrument you hear. Sing along and let your body move to the rhythm. This technique can be combined with other techniques—you can listen to music while you’re taking a walk, cooking, or working on your creative project.
When you add mindfulness and presence into your daily activities, you’ll find that the stress of the future and the past will dissipate. Try experimenting with each of these techniques to learn what works best for you.