Do you ever feel like life is just a clock ticking your time away?  

It’s time to take a step back and embrace the present !!

Be In The Moment

Everyone emphasises the practice of mindfulness for a "better life," but what is a better life and mindfulness? mindfulness is the ability to focus on one's awareness of the present moment while acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.  Sounds like a lot of work? It’s very refreshing and takes up 20 minutes of your time. Think of mindfulness as a mini-vacation for your mind. It only takes 20 minutes, but the benefits are truly refreshing. It can become your awakening to a Zen lifestyle. Many activities help you refocus your energy and make you more mindful. Let’s find out what suits you the best!

1. Journalling
While journaling is common, mindfulness journaling takes it a step further. It's less about logging your day and more about focusing on your inner world in the present moment. Instead of jotting down daily events we’ll focus on a few specific details like

 a) 5 things you are grateful for: Since every day is unique, take a moment to reflect on what makes it special. This simple practice of appreciating the little things can help you relish the present moment.

                
 b) Tasks that you completed: Did you conquer a tough task or make progress on a goal? Recognise your efforts! Briefly list down your completed tasks and any progress made. This not only keeps track of your achievements but also reinforces a sense of accomplishment.           c) Challenging situations faced: Life throws curveballs, and it's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or even helpless sometimes. These emotions, whether triggered by a minor inconvenience or a major life change, are valid. The key isn't to ignore or suppress these feelings. Instead, acknowledge them, process what they're telling you, and use them as opportunities for learning and growth.

Photo by  Jess Bailey Team  on  Unsplash

If you don't have time to write, or would rather not write after a tiring day, that's perfectly fine! Audio journaling can be a great alternative. Think of it as your own mini podcast, a personal space to share your thoughts and experiences in a captivating way. You can even incorporate humour, dialogues, or monologues to make it even more engaging.

2.Three-Minute Breathing

The 3 Minute Breathing Space Technique is a mindfulness exercise designed to help individuals approach their experience from two attentional lenses. This is a breathing exercise that helps you relax and refocus your energy.

A lot of people prefer doing this while being seated upright.  

a) First be seated, preferably on the floor in a quiet place. Bonus points if you're close to nature!
b) Take a deep breath slowly through your nose, while feeling the air fill into your lungs
c) Hold your breath for as long as you can. (most people count to 15)
d) Breathe out slowly through your mouth, feeling the air leave your body.
e) Repeat this process for around 3 minutes

This process helps to reduce anxiety, improve energy levels and increase the ability to focus and pay attention.

3. A Good Morning Routine
Starting your day with a good routine sets you up for a successful day. Aim for 8 hours of sleep each night and wake up feeling refreshed. This could involve meditation, exercise, a walk, or a run – anything that gets your blood flowing and your mind focused. Getting up just before work or classes can be a recipe for anxiety and feeling rushed. This sets a negative tone for the rest of your day. Aim to wake up feeling relaxed, energised, and ready to tackle your tasks, this sets the pace for the rest of the day. Make sure to stay hydrated and eat a healthy breakfast. you more energised to start the day! (I personally take cold shower.)

Photo by  Brooke Lark Team  on  Unsplash

4. Digital Detox

The definition of a digital detox is to take a break from using electronic devices or certain media for a period of time, from a few days to several months. But the specifics are different from person to person, individuals can choose from a social media detox, a screen time detox, or a gaming detox. Suddenly starting a digital detox can be very hard for people and make them want to quit. That's why it's important to conduct the detox in stages or steps.

A digital detox has several advantages:

a) Increases time to focus on yourself or other social activities           
b) Help ease eye strain            
c) Improved sleep            
d) Reduced distractions            
e) Increased mindfulness           
f) Reduced stress You can start a digital detox by setting time limits on different apps and in your phone settings.

Start by checking your total screen time and setting a daily time limit to reduce it by one hour. This will ensure you use your screen time more mindfully and avoid wasting time. You can also identify the app consuming the most of your time and reduce its usage through time limits. These are two effective methods to begin your digital detox journey. Make sure you don’t use your phone for 30 minutes before sleeping and 30 minutes after waking up, this helps you be more productive in the morning and relax at night. (Turning off your notifications can help you use your phone less often).


5. Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Finding your work-life balance too stressful? Take a day off. Prioritise your mental and physical health over everything else. This will eventually improve the quality of your work and make you more efficient. It’s very important to remember to take breaks, let go, be free and release stress. Have your “me time”, If your job requires you to always be around people and socialise; it can be very exhausting, it’s alright to take a step back and relax at home and do absolutely nothing. Find some relaxing, stress-bursting activities that you enjoy and can practice regularly.

“By taking care of myself I have so much more to offer the world than I do when I am running on empty
- Ali Washington”
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Practise Mindfulness with Expert Guidance

Do your routine medical health check-ups (healthy body, healthy mind). If it ever gets unbearable, you feel helpless, or maybe you just need someone to talk to to meet a mental health professional to help you. This can help you learn to let go of your past and be more present in the future. You think there’s no time or travelling is a hassle? There are several online counselling platforms with reliable professionals that will help you out. Click here to get started talking to a therapist who truly understands you and can help you become more mindful. We've got you! 

Photo by  Sarah Kilian Team  on  Unsplash