How to Be More Mindful

It can be hard to stay present, especially in a world where screens are part of our day-to-day life. Practicing mindfulness is an easy way keep your mind alert and focussed on the tasks at hand, as well as improve your overall mental wellbeing. It’s hard to practice at first, but with persistence and time, your thought processes can change to a more mindful approach.

Practice breathing techniques

Breathing techniques can not only help with anxiety, but also with helping you to focus. Sometimes, the world can become overwhelming, so taking one minute out of your day to concentrate on your breathing is a good way to ground yourself and start to notice the world around you.

Stick to a routine

Some of us thrive when we have a schedule to stick to, so planning a time in your day, whether it be on the way to work, during your coffee break, or after running errands, is a good way to remind yourself to take notice of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the world around you.

Try something new

Getting stuck in auto-pilot mode can stop us from noticing the world around us. Even something as simple as switching seats on the bus, taking a different route on your daily walk, or going somewhere new for lunch can help you to stop and think about what you are doing and what the world is doing around you.

Name your thoughts and feelings

To develop an awareness of thoughts and feelings, it can be good to name them out loud. Recognising them and giving them a name helps you to understand that they are passing visitors, rather than a permanent resident. For example, on times that you feel nervous, you can say ‘this feeling is nervousness’, or ‘here is the thought that my doctor’s appointment won’t go well.’