Making Mindful Moments - Finding Calm In The Chaos
Repawter: Amanda Mckinlay
In the busy hustle and bustle of life it can be difficult to find time to relax or even just stop and catch a breath. There's work deadlines, family stuff….a whole host of demands that can often mean that a time out disappears of the schedule and you end up burning the candle at both ends AND in the middle just to keep up….and that does nobody any good!
When we are stressed and tired we don't do our best work, can get snappy and short with loved ones and miss out cos we're not really present with anyone.
The thing is though, finding time for ourselves doesn't have to be about a full on spa weekend or retreat ... .it can be about finding just a moment of quiet, or giving some extra attention to something you do already or maybe just finding a little glimmer of gratitude to light up a busy, stressful day.
So here's some mindful moment practices that you can try to shoo away the stresses for a bit 1) BREATHE! Breathing is something our bodies do without our even having to think about it or do anything but it can also be a great tool for focusing our mind and quieting the internal chatter. You don't have to do any heavy, exaggerated breath work exercises…just notice your breath for a few moments, feeling the rise and fall of your chest, the sensations in your nose etc…A simple exercise but very effective
2) LISTEN! Close your eyes and just listen to the sounds around you for a few moments, traffic passing, people talking, ticking clocks…what can you hear? Or if the thought of silence feels “too much” pop on a favourite song/piece of music and REALLY listen to it…the lyrics, the instruments..how do you feel in your body listening to it.
3) Take a mindful walk. This can be as simple as a short walk where you feel and are aware of each step you take (the sensations of your legs moving, your feet touching the ground etc) or a more indepth stress busting stroll where you pay attention to things like the colours of the trees, flowers and foliage, whatever takes your attention. This is an easy one to do if you're taking a four legged friend out and gets something else done while you're having your mindful moment.
4) BE THANKFUL. Gratitude is good for you and shifting your thoughts to good things helps lift your mood and releases happy hormones in the brain! A few moments reflecting on the good stuff and little wins is just the job for clearing the cobwebs out the head!
5) Mindful eating/drinking. We are often so busy chatting over coffee or having a working lunch that we rarely notice what we are eating or drinking…and that's if we've even remembered to stop for the break anyway! So how about you put the phone down, step away from your desk and really savour that cuppa or meal, notice the flavour, the scents, the feeling as you swallow. This also helps with the enjoyment releasing more of those happy hormones!
So there we are 5 little short stress busters for you to try that only need a minute or two out of your day but have the opportunity to boost your wellbeing, calm your mind and help you to keep doing what you do.
What ones will you try?
Could you do a week or month long “challenge” where you make time for you a to do list essential?
Give it a go!