Can you practice mindfulness throughout a busy day?
In our modern times, busy schedules are the norm. Therefore, the challenge of shifting our autopilot mindsets to one grounded in each passing moment seems daunting. If your mind and body just go through the motions, you may notice yourself worrying about the past, future, or just zoning out entirely.
But living our lives feeling disconnected daily isn’t how we’re meant to live.
We should be anchored in our daily experiences. That way, we can feel calm, focused, and intentional while completing our day-to-day tasks. So, if you want to feel balanced in your busy schedule, check out these five suggestions.
1. Start Your Morning with Intention
Mornings hold a lot of power, setting the tone for the day. Therefore, your first effort of focus and intention should be utilized once you wake up. Instead of reaching for the phone, lie still and connect with your mind and body. While your mind is still, you can visualize and affirm all you want to accomplish for the day and look forward to completing your goals. That way, you’ll start off goal-oriented and ready for the day ahead.
2. Create a Mindful Schedule
Tech does not have to be a distraction; instead, you can use it to your advantage. Having a schedule prepared beforehand will save you from the stress of an unplanned day. Take advantage of the Google Calendar app on your phone, or download similar task apps that will get you organized for the day. You can strictly stick to your work schedule or specify and document every important task you can’t forget, like taking your medication or attending a doctor’s appointment. And you can add some kind of reminders to take deep breaths.
3. Use Transitional Moments
In between moments provide you the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your breath and check in with your body. While you wait for a file to load or for your turn in line, you may notice unease in your body. This could look like a racing mind, stiff shoulders, and shallow breaths. And that’s expected when you rush to meet a deadline. But awareness is key to reversing that once-unnoticed discomfort. So unclench your muscles, scan your body down to your toes, breathe slower, and observe your surroundings. This quick, destressing technique helps calm and ground you during a full schedule.
4. Eat Without Multitasking
We can’t get much done without meals to fuel us through our busy days. So we might as well enjoy our food intentionally through mindful eating. You can use eating as a form of meditation, allowing yourself to slow down and experience your food. As you sit to enjoy your meal, chew slowly. Tune into the flavors, smells, and textures of your food. Notice how your body and mind feel with each bite. In turn, you’ll have enhanced digestion from thorough chewing and higher satisfaction by savoring every bite. You won’t remember to scroll through emails when you focus on enjoying your well-earned meal.
5. Wind Down with Intention
A calm evening routine is the perfect antidote for unwinding after a busy day. This is a better alternative to doom scrolling and dozing off, signaling your mind and body that you’re about to rest. Plan a routine that feels most relaxing to you, such as light stretching followed by tea, or journaling followed by a guided meditation. In turn, you’ll have something to look forward to after a long day that’ll help you transition into a calm night.
You don’t need to sacrifice a busy life to live a mindful lifestyle.
By incorporating mindful habits into your schedule, you’ll become a natural part of your daily life. Whether you focus more on how you wake up, eat, or rest, the benefits will enhance your well-being. Soon enough, you’ll tune in to your mind and your surroundings, resulting in better control of your days. That’s the magic of being grounded and centered.