The art of living mindfully: 8 habits for a calmer, less stressful life

Living mindfully is an art that’s all about presence and intention. It’s the difference between simply reacting to life’s challenges and choosing your response with calmness and clarity.

The beauty of mindfulness is it gives you the power to reduce stress and cultivate inner peace, moment by moment. And the best part? It’s not as complicated as it may seem.

In fact, integrating mindfulness into your daily routine can be as simple as adopting certain habits. Habits that encourage you to slow down, tune in, and truly connect with the here and now.

In this article, I’ll share 8 of these transformative habits for a calmer, more fulfilling life. 

Let’s get stated. 

1) Embracing stillness

In the constant hustle and bustle of our modern lives, finding stillness might seem like a luxury. But in reality, it’s a necessity for mindful living.

Taking time to be still allows you to disconnect from external noise and connect with your inner self. It’s in these quiet moments that you can truly tune into your thoughts, feelings, and sensations.

Think about it: when was the last time you sat in silence, without any distractions? Probably a while ago, right?

But don’t worry, embracing stillness doesn’t mean you have to meditate for hours on end (though that can certainly help). It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths and focusing on the present moment.

If you want to live more mindfully, make a habit of seeking stillness. Whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes each day, find what works for you.

Mndfulness is not about emptying your mind of thoughts. Rather, it’s about observing them without judgment. And stillness provides the perfect backdrop for this kind of observation.

Embrace it, and watch as your stress levels drop and your sense of inner peace grows.

2) Practicing gratitude

You’d be amazed at the profound effect that practicing gratitude can have on your stress levels and overall well-being. I know I was.

I used to get caught up in a whirlwind of worries, anxieties, and what-ifs. It was as if my mind was constantly on overdrive, leaving me feeling drained and disconnected.

Then, I stumbled upon the concept of gratitude. The idea of actively appreciating the good in my life sounded simple enough, but I was skeptical about its potential impact.

Nevertheless, I gave it a shot. Each night before bed, I started jotting down three things I was grateful for from that day. They didn’t have to be big things – sometimes it was as simple as a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning or a kind word from a stranger.

The change was gradual but undeniable. Focusing on the positive aspects of my day helped me shift away from my anxieties and towards the present moment. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Now, practicing gratitude has become second nature to me. It’s one of my go-to habits for living mindfully and reducing stress. And trust me, if it can work for me, it can work for you too.

3) Nurturing connections

In our digital age, we’re more connected than ever before. Yet, many of us feel increasingly isolated. It’s an irony that can take a toll on our mental wellbeing.

But here’s the good news: nurturing genuine connections can help counteract this. And it’s not just about having a large social circle. Quality truly outweighs quantity when it comes to relationships.

Did you know that according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, people who have strong social relationships are 50% more likely to live longer? That’s right, healthy relationships can literally add years to your life!

Make a conscious effort to connect with the people in your life. Spend quality time with your loved ones. Reach out to old friends. Make new ones.

Being mindful means being present. So when you’re with others, really be with them. Listen actively. Engage in meaningful conversations. Show empathy.

Nurturing connections is a powerful way to live mindfully and reduce stress. So go ahead and strengthen the bonds you share with others – your mind and body will thank you for it!

4) Adopting Buddhist principles

Buddhism is much more than a religion; it’s a philosophy that can offer valuable insights for mindful living. One of its core teachings is the concept of Anatta, or “non-self”. This principle encourages us to let go of our ego and see ourselves as part of a larger whole.

This shift in perspective can have a profound impact on our stress levels and overall wellbeing. When we stop trying to control everything and start accepting things as they are, we naturally become calmer and more content.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deep into this and other Buddhist teachings. I explore how these age-old wisdoms can be applied to modern life, helping us to live more mindfully and with less stress.

One key takeaway from the book is the practice of mindfulness meditation, a technique rooted in Buddhism. This form of meditation encourages us to stay present, observe our thoughts without judgment, and cultivate inner peace.

Whether it’s through meditation or adopting Buddhist principles like Anatta, embracing the teachings of Buddhism can significantly enhance your journey towards mindful living. And who knows? It might just provide the stress relief you’ve been looking for.

5) Prioritizing self-care

There was a time when I used to push myself to the brink of exhaustion, thinking that was the only way to achieve my goals. The concept of self-care felt indulgent, almost selfish.

But then I hit a wall. I was burnt out, stressed, and deeply unhappy. It was a wake-up call. I realized that my relentless drive for productivity was actually counterproductive.

So, I began prioritizing self-care. And no, it wasn’t just about bubble baths and spa days (though those can be nice too!). It was about making time for things that replenished my energy and brought me joy.

I started reading more, going for walks in nature, and even picked up painting – something I used to love as a kid but had long forgotten.

Through these acts of self-care, I learned to value myself and my wellbeing. It helped me become more mindful of my needs and boundaries.

Now, I consider self-care an essential part of my daily routine. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. And it’s been instrumental in helping me lead a calmer, less stressful life.

6) Welcoming discomfort

Now, this may sound counter-intuitive, but bear with me. When it comes to mindful living, it’s not just about seeking peace and comfort. Sometimes, it’s about embracing discomfort.

Life is full of ups and downs. And while it’s natural to want to avoid the downs, they’re just as important for our growth as the ups.

Discomfort can come in many forms. It could be a difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding, a bad habit you’re trying to break, or even a fear you’re trying to overcome.

Whatever form it takes, discomfort forces us to step out of our comfort zone. It pushes us to confront our fears and insecurities head-on.

This doesn’t mean you have to seek out uncomfortable situations. But when they do arise (and they will), welcome them. Acknowledge them without judgment. See them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to happiness.

It’s not always easy, of course. But the more you practice this habit, the more resilient and mindful you’ll become. 

7) Slowing down

In a world that’s constantly urging us to move faster, do more, and be more, slowing down might seem counterproductive. But, in reality, it’s a key habit for mindful living.

Slowing down allows us to fully engage with the present moment. It encourages us to savor the small joys that often go unnoticed in our hurry to get from one task to the next.

Whether it’s taking the time to enjoy your morning coffee, going for a leisurely walk, or simply pausing to take a few deep breaths in the middle of a hectic day – these acts of slowing down can make a world of difference.

They remind us that life isn’t just about reaching our destination – it’s about appreciating the journey along the way.

Resist the urge to rush. Instead, take your time. Be present. Because it’s in the midst of our everyday moments that we find true contentment and peace.

8) Cultivating self-compassion

Above all, mindful living is deeply rooted in self-compassion. It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you’d extend to a loved one.

Too often, we’re our own harshest critics. We berate ourselves for our mistakes, dwell on our shortcomings, and set unrealistically high standards for ourselves. This kind of self-criticism can lead to stress, anxiety, and a host of other mental health issues.

Self-compassion, on the other hand, encourages us to acknowledge our flaws without judgment. It reminds us that everyone makes mistakes, and that’s okay. It allows us to learn from our missteps rather than beating ourselves up over them.

And the more compassionate we are towards ourselves, the easier it becomes to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience. So remember, be kind to yourself. You deserve it.

The essence of mindfulness

At its core, mindfulness is about living in the present moment. It’s about embracing life as it unfolds, with all its ups and downs, joys and sorrows. It’s about cultivating inner peace, not by avoiding discomfort, but by facing it head-on.

The 8 habits we’ve explored here offer a roadmap to mindful living. But remember, mindfulness is not a destination – it’s a journey. It’s a way of life that requires practice and patience.

In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into this journey. The teachings in the book provide further insights into mindfulness and how to cultivate it in your daily life.

But for now, I invite you to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on your own journey towards mindfulness.

What steps can you take today to live more mindfully? How can you cultivate habits that bring you inner peace and reduce stress?

Remember, the art of mindful living begins with you. It begins now. So take that first step towards a calmer, less stressful life. You’ve got this.