It took me quite a while to understand how excessive pessimism and stress were dragging me down.
Mindfulness is an aspect that many individuals neglect due to the misplaced notion that they lack sufficient time. My experience with mindfulness has been quite intricate. My life increasingly becomes busier as my obligations accumulate. The most daunting factor is that I am aware my life will not become any simpler; eventually, I will have the added duties of home ownership and parenting to manage in the future.
Initially, I believed this implied that I didn’t have time for mindfulness. Full-time employment and graduate school appeared to be all I could handle. I thought my reasoning was sound: “If I’m so occupied, how can I afford to slow down?” Yet the reality was quite the contrary. As I felt more suffocated by life’s stressors and everything on my to-do list, I recognized the need for a change.
I tend to be practical and occasionally pessimistic. However, I had to discover a way to become more cognizant of my thoughts and their impact on me. It was all the [scientific studies on mindfulness](https://www.mindful.org/five-ways-mindfulness-meditation-is-good-for-your-health/) that prompted me to consider giving it a shot.
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be intricate or consume your entire day — it’s entirely about your approach to it.
“Mindfulness isn’t something that occurs. It’s an acquired skill that you cultivate over time through practice.” — Joshua Felver, PhD, psychology professor at Syracuse University
Even minor adjustments can lead to significant changes. This was the most significant truth I initially struggled to accept. Mindfulness has allowed me to feel more engaged in the moment and appreciative of the present, even if I merely engage in a ten-minute meditation on Clubhouse or simply focus on deep breathing while in the shower. Mindfulness can find its way into your daily routine, even if it’s just five minutes of deep breathing.
Mindfulness has made me feel like time isn’t slipping away.
In a sense, this encapsulates the genuine essence of “being present.” The notion that we exist solely in the current moment while everything else is outside our control can seem overwhelming. Mindfulness alleviates that fear by providing more clarity about the present instead of living life on autopilot — even as we work to keep ourselves from drifting too far into negative thoughts or despair.
As Shakespeare noted, brevity is the essence of wit, and even short moments of meditation or mindfulness can truly transform your day.
For instance, today was one of my in-office days. In the morning, as I was preparing, I felt rather drained and stressed despite having just woken up. However, I attempted to listen to a guided meditation that lasted only five minutes, and the deep breathing and visualization activities did make me feel a bit better.
You need to identify which mindfulness practices resonate with you.
There are numerous different approaches to practicing mindfulness. I’ve explored various methods for mindfulness: meditation, yoga, gratitude journaling, and even simply engaging in deep breaths while trying to remain calm under pressure (which surprisingly yields results).
However, it’s essential to discover what suits you best if you intend to establish a habit.
For example, I adore yoga. You may not. That’s perfectly fine; you just need to explore until you find what you enjoy. It might be something like reading a book, taking a brief daily walk, or trying something a little unconventional within the mindfulness sphere. The crucial aspect is that it allows you to feel present in the moment and helps you relax your mind.
Mindfulness has empowered me to manage everything life throws my way because it has enabled me to stay present and not allow other concerns to bother or stress me. Mindfulness assists you in concentrating on what is important right now rather than worrying about the future or fixating too much on the past — while also preventing you from being overwhelmed by either.
Gratitude journals serve as excellent aids for mindfulness.
“This is not simply a passive breathing exercise. It is a [valuable brain-training resource](https://www.thehealthy.com/mental-health/mindfulness-quotes/).” — Vernon Williams, MD, neurologist
One of the most beneficial tools for me is gratitude journaling. A close friend of mine began this practice through therapy for her battle with depression, but her therapist explained how this technique can assist anyone in feeling a bit more grounded and satisfied with their life.
Gratitude journals are among the most effective ways to practice mindfulness. You can jot down a list of things you’re thankful for upon waking in the morning, each night before sleeping, or simply at random times throughout the day. Gratitude journaling compels you to concentrate on what is most important regarding mindfulness practice. Mindfully detailing three…