Mindfulness has been around for years, but these days it’s difficult to stay present with so many events going on and future events to plan. This leads us to skim over many parts of our lives miss out on meaningful moments.
Practicing float therapy and yoga can help improve our mindfulness, but we might not be able to do it every day. Instead, there are plenty of ways to incorporate mindfulness into our daily routines and to help us stay present as we live our lives.
Listening
We ignore many noises throughout the day, whether it’s playing music through your headphones to block out common noise, crying babies, or the sounds of nature like the wind blowing through the trees.
When you wake up in the morning, instead of getting out of bed right away or grabbing your phone, take a few minutes to listen to the noises outside. You might hear birds chirping or the sounds of cars driving by. Focus on one sound at a time and let it fade away. Then pay attention to the next sound you notice. This will help you be more mindful of the sounds around you.
Waiting
Waiting in line can breed impatience, and you might become frustrated if the line is too long or if you’re in a rush. Instead of focusing on those feelings of frustration or turning to your phone, notice the environment you’re in and the people around you. You might realize that other people are feeling impatient too. Try to focus on your breath and your body. This will help you be more mindful of waiting.
Showering
Most of the time, we jump in the shower as a part of our morning routine and we don’t give much thought to it. If it’s the end of the day, we might rush through it in order to get to bed afterwards.
The next time you shower, try to be mindful of the water and how it feels as it washes over your body. Notice the temperature and the fragrance of the soaps you’re using. Allow the water and steam to relax your body and calm your thoughts instead of distracting yourself with other topics.
Writing and Reading
Journaling or reading a book can be a good way to unwind from the day, but there are ways to make it more mindful. Before opening a book, take a few minutes to empty your mind and relax. This will help you focus. Once you begin to read, take your time with the text. Enjoy the language of the book and pause on phrases that resonate with you. Enjoying a book this way will help you stay present and be more mindful of what you’re reading.
When you write, take the time to jot down what you learned that day. Also, try to remember anything you researched, whether a topic for work or something that simply piqued your curiosity. This will help you reflect on the day and be mindful of what you learned.
Setting aside time to do yoga or meditate can be difficult on a daily basis, but you can find many ways to practice mindfulness in your everyday routines that will allow you to be more present. Booking a float therapy session at Salt Float Studio is also a way to practice mindfulness without sacrificing too much of your time. We’re open 7 days a week from 9am until 1030pm, so feel free to book an appointment with us over the phone at (08) 62770060 or online.
Original article courtesy of Northwest Float Centre.
