Being present in the moment is enjoying the NOW without worrying about the future or ruminating on the past. A study conducted in 2020 suggested that an average person has 6200 thoughts every day. Many people often complain that they cannot STOP THINKING and have difficulty sleeping.
Constantly overthinking can also affect your productivity and reduce your zeal for life. You may be missing out on the little things because of your distracted mind. Recurring thoughts can also manifest in your subconscious mind. You may find yourself having the same dreams or nightmares often.
Living in the NOW takes practice and patience, but once you learn how to bring your mind into the present, you will experience life like never before. Here are three simple ideas to get yourself in the NOW.
- SLOW DOWN AND SAVOUR THE PRESENT. Bring your focus on the task at hand, even if it is cleaning or eating a meal. Bring your attention to the present. Switch off digital devices to reduce distractions. If you find your thoughts wandering, bring your attention to your breathing. Remember, the past and the future are only a construct of the mind.
- One very powerful way of being in the present is redirecting your FOCUS to the situation at hand at all times. At first, it is natural to find your focus wandering, however, the trick is to bring it back to the present every time you notice this.
– Jonathan Safran Foer
- BREATHE. Mindful breathing is a powerful meditation technique that helps you practice being in the present moment. Focus your attention on your breathing, how you inhale and exhale, how the air fills your lungs, and how it makes you feel. The natural flow and rhythm of breathing help the mind focus better.As you begin to take longer inhalations and exhalations, notice whether the quality of your breath has changed. Being aware of the breath is a great way of bringing your mind back to the NOW and the PRESENT.
– Oprah Winfrey
- BE SELF-AWARE, NOT SELF-CONSCIOUS. Sometimes we worry too keenly about how we look to others. Imagine yourself in a room full of people, and your favorite song comes on. Will you dance as if no one is watching? Or will you sit in the corner wishing you had more guts? By reducing self-consciousness, you free yourself from the burden of overthinking. When you focus on the experience itself instead of negative thoughts such as social pressures and judgment, you can start to enjoy yourself!
― Mignon McLaughlin
Mindfulness is not a future destination. It is already here. Becoming aware of your mental and physical self will come with practice. Are you aware of your breathing right now? Are you aware of the emotions you are feeling?
If you are ready to start your transformation and be more mindful of your life, talk to a professional life coach. A Life Coach will help you plan your goals and equip you with the tools necessary to execute them.
“Everything ever created came out of someone’s ability to dream, innovate, and most importantly, believe in their own self.’ – Pooja
