Mindfulness, meditation, stillness, are all over the internet these days.
It is easy to read about why mindfulness matters in a hectic world.
We can take in the 10 tips for a simple life easily, as they tend to be concepts that we already know about. What about action? What can I actually do today that will open my mind to being still?
How can I actually practice mindfulness at work when all I can think about are my deadlines and how much of my energy the work requires?
I’ve got a solution for you!
Here are 5 actionable ways to bring more mindfulness into your daily life.
You’ve probably heard them before!
My approach is different than what you’ve heard before, because I like to view things in different perspectives.
1. Before you drink your coffee, drive your car, or use your phone, take a moment to say thank you to yourself for being amazing!
Simple! As I sit in my car, before I turn it on and start driving, I say “Thank you Kristina for saving enough money to be able to afford this vehicle. Thank you for being amazing and knowing that it is important to have a car to get to places. Thank you for working so hard everyday”
Before I drink my pomegranate fizz, I say
Thank you for bringing me focus, flavor, and a fabulous day!
I say this because alliterations bring me joy, and I believe that my intentions are strong enough to bring what I put outside me into action.
Yes, I literally thank myself for drinking pomegranate fizz and then thank the fizz before drinking it!
It may seem weird to talk to an inanimate object, but when you do, you’re acknowledging the existence and the purpose of that thing and putting more value into it which makes it stronger.
In reality, this is gratitude.
Gratitude towards the things that are available to me to make my life better.
Bringing this gratitude forward will make you happier.
2. Get Outside More!
I am someone who loves being outside!
This may not be a tip for everyone, in which case I can say, go where your soul is happiest, your bedroom, home office, coffee shop, or somewhere that fills you with joy.
Joy will bring your mind into full awareness and allow you to be in the moment.
Even if you aren’t like me and enjoy the outdoors, walking through a park, or through nature could be a portal to mindfulness because it allows you to leave your worries for a moment and enjoy the flowers.
3. Listen to your favourite song, sing, dance, play your instrument of choice.
Music is such a valuable tool for mindfulness.
Hearing your favourite song in the car, or on the train before a big meeting can put you in a headspace of confidence.
When you sing along to a song you love, dance to your favorite trap song in your room, or play the piano before your long day starts, you are increasing your vibration which will bring you more joy throughout the day.
My favorite song to dance to right now is I’m not alright by Loud Luxury and I don’t usual enjoy slow songs, but lately, overthink by Tyler Shaw is one of my favourite songs!
4. Write a letter to your future self about how your day will go
I do this whenever I have a stressful day ahead of me and my anxiety is high and telling me that every negative situation that I can think of will probably happen.
I like to take control of my mind by writing what I truly want to happen today.
Dear future self,
As you’re writing this post, it may not make sense to others, but it makes sense to you, which is all that matters. Not everyone will like what you write, but everyone has a right to their interpretation and opinion. Remember that this is a place for you to express your own opinions. Today will be the most magical day because I am walking my dogs in about 15 minutes, and then I have time to sit back down and write some more. I also seem to have my inspiration turned on, so that will be helpful in creating content for future posts.
Today is blessed.
Love Kristina
@11:57am
It’s important to mention that my day did not go as I intended it to in this letter.
My family planned a sushi lunch, at a certain time. We ended up getting out of the house and hour later than expected, and then I had to rush to a meeting I forgot I had!
The point is to write out what you intend to happen and give the universe a message of your intention for the day.
Trust me, the universe hears the messages you send it!
5. Spend time with people who lift you up.
This can be as simple as sending a text to your best friend, to wish you luck on a presentation, or making a call to your mom before applying to a job.
Spending time with someone who lifts you up, supports you, encourages you, and motivates you to be the best version of yourself is the most valuable thing you can do.
If there is no one around you who can do this, watch a video, find an article to read, or use a mental health app that connects you with someone who can show you the support you need.
Mindfulness is all about connecting to the present moment and letting go of the stress of the modern world.
Remember …
These are actions that I think are useful for accessing the present moment, not everyone will find them useful.
I hope that one of these tips spoke to you, and that you find a way to put them into action in your life.
Let me know in a comment if you start thanking yourself for being amazing and see the universe respond!
Love always,
Stay true, stay weird,
Kristi