How to Practice Mindfulness even if you don't feel like Meditating
Posted on December 12, 2019 by Deborah Voll, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
You've tried meditation and it's been difficult for you. Not to worry! You can easily put forth some easy steps to be mindful during your day
(Even when you don’t feel like meditation)
The holidays are upon us and it’s more important than ever to take some time to slow down and practice some mindfulness. Which is being aware of ourselves and our surroundings in the present moment. It doesn’t need to be complicated.
I know sometimes I get so busy and going so quickly that I realize I am holding my breath! I then have to remind myself to be present and mindful to myself and body
I often hear, But I don’t like meditation and It’s difficult for me to sit a long time in a quiet space!
You are not alone!
Here are some tips on how you can practice mindfulness throughout the day without having to sit and meditate
When you first wake up notice your thoughts and your breathing pattern. Stretch and notice how your muscles and joints feel as you start your day. What are those thoughts that come first to your mind?
If you are in line at the grocery store take a moment to be grateful for this pause and focus on your breath and surroundings. What is the music playing in the store? Is the person in front of you a man, woman or child? Are they on their phone too?
When you are driving home from work make it a practice to turn off any distractions or noise in the car. Focus on your breath and relish the silence in the car. It may be the only quiet time you get all day!
Stop and tell yourself to relax your jaw and shoulders. Notice if you feel a natural drop in those areas where you were holding tension.
Pick an area of your life where you would like to practice more mindfulness and set an intention for the day or week. Make time during the day to check in with yourself and see how you are doing
For some writing in a journal is an effective way to be mindful of your thoughts and surroundings and is a nice prompt for looking back to see how you are progressing with your practice
Set mindfulness check points through out the day! When you stop at a traffic light take a moment to notice your breath and thoughts. Specific Check points through out your day can remind you to take that time to check in with yourself.
Being mindful is a consistent practice and doesn’t happen overnight but being intentional is the first step to gaining a respect for yourself and your surroundings.
