If you want to be more mindful, start doing these 8 things every day

Ever feel like life is rushing by and you’re just trying to keep up?

You’re not alone.

Mindfulness is a way to slow down and enjoy the little things.

It’s not fancy, and you don’t have to be an expert to start.

This article is all about simple things you can do every day to be more mindful.

No special tools or classes needed—just you and a willingness to try something new.

So, if you want to feel more relaxed and in control of your life, keep reading. 

1. Take Five Minutes to Breathe

It sounds too simple to be true, but taking a few minutes to just breathe can make a big difference in your day.

You don’t need any special equipment or a quiet room; you can do this anywhere.

Here’s how to start:

• Find a Comfortable Spot: It could be at your desk, on the bus, or even while you’re waiting in line.
• Focus on Your Breath: Pay attention to how it feels as you breathe in and out. Try to breathe slowly and deeply.
• Let Thoughts Come and Go: It’s normal for thoughts to pop into your head. That’s okay! Just bring your attention back to your breath.
• Do It Every Day: Make it a habit, and soon you’ll notice a calm, mindful feeling that sticks with you.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do this. It’s all about taking a moment for yourself and slowing down. Try it today and see how it feels!

2. Enjoy Your Meals by Eating Mindfully

Remember when grandma used to say, “Chew your food properly!”?

Well, it turns out she was onto something.

Eating mindfully is all about taking the time to really enjoy your food, and it’s something I’ve found to be truly transformative.

Next time you sit down for a meal, put away your phone and turn off the TV. Look at your food, and take in all the colors and smells.

As you eat, chew slowly and savor each bite. Feel the texture and taste all the flavors.

I started doing this during lunch breaks, and I noticed that I felt more satisfied and less rushed.

It became a moment in my day when I could just relax and enjoy something simple.

You might even find that you taste things you never noticed before!

Eating mindfully isn’t about following strict rules; it’s about enjoying your food and being present with it.

So take a cue from grandma and slow down during your next meal. Your mind (and your stomach) will thank you!

3. Admit When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Let’s be brutally honest: Life can be a mess sometimes.

We’re often juggling work, family, friends, and a million other responsibilities.

The pressure can build up, and pretending everything is fine only makes it worse.

I’ve been there. Trying to put on a brave face, saying “I’m fine” when I was anything but.

And you know what? It’s okay to admit that you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Mindfulness isn’t about being perfect or serene all the time. It’s about recognizing how you really feel and giving yourself permission to feel that way.

One day, I just stopped and said to myself, “I’m overwhelmed, and that’s okay.”

It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I allowed myself to take a step back, breathe, and decide what really mattered to me.

Next time you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, stop and be honest with yourself.

Say it out loud if you need to. There’s no shame in feeling overwhelmed. The real power comes from recognizing it and giving yourself the space to navigate through it.

This is not about giving up; it’s about being real with yourself. And in that raw honesty, you’ll find a clearer path and a stronger connection to who you really are.

4. Make Nature Your Friend

I used to be one of those people who spent all day indoors, either glued to a computer screen or tangled up in household chores.

One day, a friend dragged me out for a walk in the park, and it completely changed my perspective.

There’s something profoundly healing about spending time in nature, whether it’s a bustling city park, a quiet forest, or even your own backyard garden.

The sound of birds, the rustle of leaves, or the simple act of feeling the sun on your face can bring a sense of calm and connection to the world around you.

For me, making nature a part of my daily routine has become a non-negotiable.

Even if it’s just a five-minute walk or a moment to stand on my porch and breathe in the fresh air, I make sure to get that time.

You don’t have to become a hardcore hiker or gardener to embrace this tip. Start small, and find what works for you. Maybe it’s a morning walk with your coffee or a weekend picnic with friends.

The point is to connect with something bigger than yourself and to take a moment to be present in the natural world.

It’s a simple act, but it’s one that can ground you and remind you of what truly matters.

Take my word for it: Nature has a way of healing and centering like nothing else. Give it a try, and you may just find a new friend in the great outdoors!

5. Embrace Distractions Instead of Fighting Them

Now, this might sound a bit odd, especially when we’re talking about mindfulness.

Aren’t we supposed to minimize distractions and stay focused? Well, yes and no. Let me explain.

Distractions are a natural part of life. Your phone buzzes, a neighbor’s dog barks, or a random thought pops into your head.

Rather than battling these distractions and getting frustrated, why not embrace them as part of your mindfulness practice?

I used to get annoyed by every little interruption, especially when trying to concentrate or relax.

But then, I realized that these distractions were offering me a chance to practice mindfulness in real-time.

Next time a distraction pops up, instead of pushing it away, take a moment to acknowledge it.

What is it? How does it make you feel? Then, gently bring your focus back to what you were doing.

For example, if you’re meditating and hear a car horn outside, instead of getting irritated, notice the sound, acknowledge it, and return to your breath.

It becomes a part of the experience rather than an interruption.

By embracing distractions, you’re training yourself to be mindful in the real world, not just in a perfect, quiet room.

You’re learning to navigate life as it is, not as you wish it to be.

This shift in perspective might seem strange at first, but give it a try.

You might find that those annoying distractions become unexpected teachers, helping you become more present, patient, and adaptable.

It’s a quirky approach, but one that’s rooted in accepting life’s imperfections and making them part of your mindfulness journey.

6. Create a Mindfulness Reminder

You know how you sometimes set an alarm to remind you of an important meeting or a friend’s birthday?

Well, I decided to do something similar for mindfulness, and it turned out to be a game-changer.

Let’s face it, life gets busy, and even with the best intentions, we can forget to take those mindful moments.

That’s why I set a daily reminder on my phone.

Every afternoon, at a time when I usually feel a bit stressed or tired, my phone buzzes with a simple message: “Take a mindful breath.”

It’s such a simple thing, but it makes a world of difference.

That little buzz pulls me out of whatever chaos is happening and reminds me to pause.

Sometimes, I take just a deep breath; other times, I step outside or even do a quick meditation.

This isn’t just a technique; it’s become a meaningful part of my daily routine. It’s like having a friend gently tap me on the shoulder, reminding me to take care of myself.

You can do this too, and it doesn’t have to be on your phone. It could be a sticky note on your bathroom mirror or a small object on your desk that reminds you to pause.

The key is to make it personal and meaningful to you. Find that little nudge that speaks to you and helps you connect with yourself, even in the busiest of days.

Trust me, a simple reminder can be a powerful tool in your mindfulness journey.

Give it a try, and see how it feels to have that regular, gentle prompt to reconnect with yourself. It’s a small act with big rewards!

7. Turn Chores into Mindful Moments

Chores. We all have them, and let’s be honest, most of us don’t love them.

Washing dishes, sweeping the floor, or doing laundry often feel like necessary but tedious tasks.

But what if I told you that these everyday chores could become opportunities for mindfulness?

It may sound strange, but I’ve found that turning chore time into mindful time has transformed the way I view these daily tasks.

Instead of rushing through them, I began to approach them with curiosity and presence.

Take washing the dishes, for example. Instead of hurriedly scrubbing away, I started to pay attention to the sensations.

The warmth of the water, the bubbles of the soap, the texture of the sponge.

I focused on the movements of my hands, the clinking of the dishes, and even the patterns the water made as it went down the drain.

Suddenly, a chore became a moment of calm and focus. I was no longer thinking about what I had to do next; I was simply there, washing the dishes.

You can do this with any chore.

Vacuuming the floor? Focus on the rhythm and movement. Folding laundry? Pay attention to the textures and patterns of the clothes.

It’s not about turning chores into something they’re not; it’s about finding the mindfulness opportunities that are already there.

Instead of seeing them as burdens, you can choose to see them as moments to be present.

Give it a try the next time you’re faced with a mundane task. Approach it with mindfulness, and you might just find a little joy in the unexpected places.

After all, mindfulness isn’t confined to meditation cushions; it’s something you can practice anytime, anywhere—even while doing the dishes!

8. Recognize and Accept Imperfection

I’ll admit it; I used to be a perfectionist. Whether at work, in relationships, or even in my mindfulness practice, I was constantly chasing an ideal that seemed just out of reach.

The pursuit of perfection became a heavy burden, and it took me a long time to realize something essential: It’s okay to be imperfect.

Mindfulness isn’t about achieving a perfect state of calm or having a flawless meditation session.

It’s about being present with what is, even when what is, is messy, confusing, or uncomfortable.

I remember one day feeling particularly stressed and overwhelmed. My meditation session was anything but peaceful.

My mind was racing, and I felt like a failure.

But then, a realization hit me: This is what mindfulness is about. It’s about being with myself, even when I’m not at my best.

Accepting imperfection isn’t about settling or giving up on growth.

It’s about recognizing that life is filled with ups and downs, and that’s perfectly normal.

It’s raw, and it’s real. And it’s something we all face. Whether it’s a messy house, a challenging relationship, or a tough day at work, imperfection is a part of life.

So next time you find yourself striving for perfection, take a deep breath and remember that it’s okay to be imperfect.

Embrace yourself as you are, with all your quirks, flaws, and beautiful imperfections.

Accepting imperfection can be a liberating and empowering part of your mindfulness practice.

It’s not always easy, but it’s honest, and it can lead to a deeper and more compassionate connection with yourself.

Because at the end of the day, being real and embracing imperfection is what makes us human.