Living mindfully in the here and now - #mytimeoffline

Living mindfully in the here and now - #mytimeoffline

Once again, I'm rushing to catch the train because I wanted to quickly do the laundry this morning. At the office, it's one meeting after another, and after work, I'm off to my fitness class, mentally compiling my shopping list. You know how it is—there's never enough time for all the things we wish we'd done yesterday, and then there's the added stress of leisure time. Wouldn't it be so much nicer if we could focus on just a few things and do them properly—truly experiencing and enjoying them instead of only being half-present because we're already thinking about three things at once? That's precisely what "mindfulness" is all about. Because relaxation begins in the mind. Through simple exercises, we can reduce everyday stress and move through the world with greater awareness.

Conscious perception

Mindfulness is a special form of attention. When we are mindful, we are in a clear state of awareness, registering inner and outer experiences without prejudice. Instead of automating things out of habit, we perceive situations more consciously. There should be less judgment and more observation. The resulting distance allows us a clearer perspective on things.

Benefits of a mindful lifestyle

Those who live mindfully discover that their sense of happiness and joy isn't necessarily dependent on external circumstances. In difficult situations, we can keep a clear head and draw on our inner strength. We become more patient with ourselves and feel better equipped to handle stress and challenging situations. Furthermore, mindfulness can lead to greater courage and better emotional control, for example, by channeling negative feelings constructively. Mindful people develop balance, stability, composure, and a zest for life. Doesn't sound bad, does it?

Finally, a mindful practice even leads to greater efficiency, because we unfortunately have to admit that (we women too) are not capable of multitasking. Constantly switching back and forth wastes time, and the resulting overload leads to mistakes that then need to be corrected.

Simple exercises for more mindfulness

But how does mindfulness actually work? Essentially, it's about switching off autopilot and perceiving everyday things consciously and without judgment. For example, the following can help:

Start your day mindfully: Instead of automatically rushing to the coffee machine, sit on the bed for a few minutes and let your thoughts drift by. Tune in to your body and notice how it feels before you stretch.

Conscious breathing: With your eyes closed and one hand on your stomach, breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth. You can count to five in your mind with each breath or imagine inhaling a scent or color that then spreads throughout your body.

Walking consciously: Notice your individual gait and then vary it - e.g. on tiptoes, fast/slow, barefoot, only on your heel, etc.

Change your perspective: Look out for beautiful photo opportunities in everyday situations, or imagine you're seeing the world through a child's eyes. You'll be surprised by what you discover.

Switch off: Being offline is the luxury of our time. Turn off your mobile phone, computer, television, etc. and enjoy the offline world undisturbed.

As you can see, even small exercises can lead to greater mindfulness, which will improve your quality of life. I wish you many conscious moments and look forward to your tips and advice for a more mindful life.

Fragrant greetings,

Yours, Marie xx

Sources:

https://dfme-achtsamkeit.de/was-ist-achtsamkeit-wirkung/

http://www.spiegel.de/gesundheit/psychologie/achtsamkeit-was-ist-das-a-1046882.html

http://www.zeitblueten.com/news/achtsamkeitsuebungen/