21 Nov 6 Ways to be Mindful All the Time

Being mindful  is the science of being in the present moment while not letting the thoughts about your past and future cloud your thinking.

Your entire focus is on what is happening within you and around you. Regular practice of mindful or guided meditation helps you stay calmer and deal with situations positively.

Now you know what mindfulness actually is, but do you know that it is very important to be mindful all the time?  

Well, life is like a roller coaster. Sometimes you are happy, sometimes you are sad or depressed, anxious, stressed, angry, possessive, impatient etc.

Sometimes you want to praise or love someone, sometimes you want to hit or “kill”someone. You never know which emotion will take over your mind and make you do things which you do not want to do. Thus, it is very important to keep a control over your mind and mindful meditation can help you in the process.

So, how can you be mindful all the time?

Well, the answer to this question lies in the points listed below:

• Drink Enough Water: It is advisable to drink 8-10 glasses or 2 litres of water each day otherwise your body can get dehydrated. This is in turn can make you lethargic. So consume the necessary amount of water each day and if you can have a glass RIGHT AFTER you wake up then it’s even better. Your body gets dehydrated overnight and hydrating your body right in the morning will help you become energetic and more present throughout the entire day.
• Take Deep Breaths: Breathing is obviously an inevitable part of your life but deep breathing isn’t. So, you will have to make it a part of your daily activity. Whenever you go for a serious conversation, take deep breaths. This will help you be a part of that conversation with a clear mind and be more present. Take deep breaths after the conversation as well. This will help you clear your mind of any negative thoughts that popped into your mind because of that conversation. Moreover, taking deep breaths helps you relieve your stress and anxiety as well.

• Eat your Food Slowly: Do not gobble your food, eat it slowly. This is because gobbling your food leads to a stressful and unhealthy life. But, if you eat it slowly, you will be able to enjoy your food, notice the delicacies and feel satisfied. However, this is not just it. It also helps in weight loss and facilitates better digestion.

• Listen to Music: Although a majority of people love listening to music, many don’t. But, you should make it a point to listen to your favourite music every day. It can be rock, pop, soft, romantic or any other type of songs. However, try to listen to happy songs and listen to them in a conscious state. Notice the music as well the lyrics of the songs but do not get lost in it. This will help you be conscious about things that nourish your heart and mind instead of depleting them.

• Slow Down a Bit: No matter how busy your life is, you can always spare a minute or two to observe and feel the good things around you. It can be anything like the smell of the roses, the chirping of the birds, a cool breeze, the greenery etc. So slow down a bit and take some time off,from your busy life to appreciate the good things in life.

• Eat Healthy: Say no to junk food because it does not do any good to your mind or the body. Eat healthy things such as fresh fruits, whole grains, vegetables etc. This will not only curb your hunger but will also give you more energy and help you stay focused throughout the day. And, who said healthy food cannot be tasty?

Your mind keeps wandering around no matter how much you try to control it. Because of this,many times, your work suffers. Also, when you have no control over your mind, you make decisions or do things only to regret it later. However,being mindfully present all day and every day can mitigate this risk and help you live a happy life.

 Nehita Abraham

Nehita is a mindfulness expert who writes extensively on lifestyle management, wellness and ways to lead a healthier and a happier life. She is a part of Aware’s expert team on meditation. She is also an avid artist who spends most her time dribbling amazing stories through art.