Do your days wiz past so fast that by lunchtime you can’t even remember what you had for breakfast? Does taking a moment for yourself seem like a luxury that your current obligations can’t afford? Well I’ve got some good news for you. You CAN take that moment. And you don’t even need to change your routine – all you have to do is CHANGE YOUR MIND. Easy peasy!

Photo Courtesy of Maria Shanina

How About It?

Consider this question –  how many times a day do you change your mind? Current statistics say that as adults, we make more than 35,000 decisions in a single day.

If that’s true, then it seems there are endless opportunities to make adjustments to your thinking without feeling like you’ve committed to anything too permanent.

By consciously recognizing what you’re doing in any given moment, you can become mindful. 

 

Low Risk High Reward

By consciously recognizing what you’re doing in any given moment, you can become mindful. And this means that you’ve made the decision to come “off autopilot and into awareness”.

You’ve changed your mindset from mind-LESS-ness to mind-FUL-ness. It doesn’t have to last long, it’s not hard, and there’s absolutely no risk involved.

Use Your Daily Routine

You have literally thousands of steps built into your daily routine that can become a “mindful moment”.

What’s required…chose a couple and then stick to it.

Try These:

• Appreciating That First Drink Of The Day:  It might be a refreshing glass of lemon water or a steaming cup of joe. Use it to bring yourself into your body as your senses take in the smell and taste.
• Brushing Those Pearly Whites:  You’re going to do it a couple of times a day, so why not use it as a mindfulness exercise? Note how you reach for your toothbrush and apply the paste. If you always start on the same side of your mouth switch it up a little. It might be a little awkward at first, but it certainly requires your presence.
• Sliding Into Your Cozy Bed:  Always an opportunity to take in a deep breath and have gratitude for the comfort of a warm and safe place to sleep.
• Driving To And Fro: How often are you on autopilot when driving? It’s probably a little scary when you think about it. Instead of worrying about how long it’s going to take you, or if you’re going to find a parking space, instead note how the steering wheel feels in your hands and the sensation of the seat against your body. Turn off your radio for a change and enjoy the silence.
• Safety First In The Kitchen:  Cooking can be enjoyable for the eyes, nose and taste buds when we become present and take in the experience. And seriously, who wants the opposite…cuts, burns and spills. If it’s a chore for you, try beginning the process with a moment of gratitude for the ease in which you’ve acquired the food.

Why?

I know that you want to feel more relaxed, less stressed, organized and focused. And acting in a mindful way can definitely help you along this journey.Who thought a simple changing of your mind could bring these benefits?

And if you need even more reasons to give this a try, this article on the benefits of mindfulness might help convince you. Come on what do you have to lose?

Please bring mindfulness to others and share my message by clicking below on Facebook and LinkedIn.

I would love to see you more often. To have my blog instantly delivered to your email box sign up below. It’s just that easy!