by Kay Carter
Contributing Author, Conscious Reminder
Being mindful not only decreases stress, but it also enhances your ability to deal with illness and can improve your overall health.
There are countless ways to apply mindfulness to your everyday life, including methods that you can practice right at home. Here are six ways to channel mindfulness and be more present.
1. Make your bed
One of the first things you can do each morning to practice mindfulness is to make your bed. Taking five minutes to complete this simple task can boost your productivity and lighten your mood. Not to mention, you’ll get to start the day with one goal already checked off your to-do list. Making your bed when you wake also helps you slow down and take a step back from your busy and frantic morning routine.
2. Adopt a minimalist approach
The more things you have laying around your house, the more likely it is for clutter (and stress) to build. To create a more minimalist home, declutter each room and remove all unnecessary items. Being less dependent on possessions can help clear your mind and let you experience more peace and tranquility. Start by organizing all of your current belongings into three piles: one for keeping, one for donating, and one for throwing away.
The best place to start decluttering is your closet—assess each item and determine how much you’ve actually worn it in the past year. If you’ve only worn it once, put it in the donate pile. If you find clothes that are frayed or worn, throw them away. Keep the rest of your clothes and organize them by color or type.
3. Transform ordinary chores into mindfulness sessions
For many, housework can take up a big chunk of time. But instead of thinking of chores as boring, you can turn them into consistent mindfulness rituals. The next time you clean the dishes, focus on the task at hand instead of rushing through the chore. Pay attention to the texture of each dish, the temperature of the water, and the smell of the dish soap. By keeping in tune with this approach, every little act becomes a sacred ritual and keeps you focused on the moment at hand.
4. Remove distractions
It can be hard to be mindful at home when there are distractions lurking in the back of your mind. Are your bills starting to pile up? Do you have a leaky faucet or faulty appliance that doesn’t stop buzzing? There are a few ways you can tackle these issues and focus on being more present.
If you’re starting to feel the financial stress of your mounting bills, start a budget or talk to a financial advisor. You can create a budget by using a simple spreadsheet or a service like Mint, where you can break down expenses, income, and other funds. If your washer is leaking or your HVAC isn’t working properly, address the issue as soon as possible. Check to see if you have a home warranty that covers the appliance—this could save you from replacing the appliance altogether. If you don’t have a warranty, schedule an appointment with a technician to fix the appliance and give you peace of mind.
5. Take a break in the middle of the day
By prioritizing relaxation and breaks during the day, you can slowly build awareness. For centuries, people have turned to meditation as a means of increasing self-awareness, reducing stress, and promoting emotional health. Practice yoga in your living room or just sit and meditate for 10 minutes, focusing on your breaths. If 10 minutes seems like too long, start with breathing deep for a couple of minutes. Simply taking a few minutes out of each day to relax and breathe can boost mindfulness and make you more aware of yourself and your surroundings.
6. Stop using technology before going to sleep
Set a curfew for technology use at least two hours before bed. Turn off your TV, shut your laptop, and put your phone down. Take this time to follow through on a new habit like meditating, reading, or connecting with family. And don’t forget to get at least eight hours of sleep each night to wake up more rested and energized the next day.
About the Author:
Kay Carter is a writer from Raleigh, NC. When she isn’t writing about the latest wellness trend, you can find her reading, traveling, or listening to a true crime podcast.
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