08/09/2022
6 Ways To Be More Present
My daughter asked me how to be more present in her life and worry less about the past or future. I was so happy with her question because:
A. It means she understands the importance of being present
B. It's one of my favorite topics 😄
1. Breathe
It's really simple. Stop what you're doing & just focus on your breath. Don't talk, think, move, just stand/sit still & take 3 deep breaths in & out. Breathing brings you to the present moment because it makes you aware of yourself & your life source, oxygen, which helps calms you.
2. Notice what is around you
Pay attention to what you see. Notice the small things around you. Appreciate all the beauty, nature & details of the world that surrounds you.
3. Engage all your senses
While eating focus on the taste, touch, smell, sight, sound of the food/chewing. When in a pool or ocean focus on the feeling of the water on your skin, the smell, the sounds, the sights. When you engage all your senses you are fully present in the moment and are unlikely to worry about external thoughts or stress about the past or future.
4. Smile
Smiling makes us feel happy, positive appreciative and present. Smiling helps us feel more alive and connected to how we are feeling in the here and now.
5. Express Gratitude
Express out loud or in writing what you are grateful for. This will help you accept what is happening to you in the present moment & understand that everything you have is a gift & is as it should be.
6. Do something you love
When you engage in an activity you love (hiking, baking, art, sports..) you are fully immersed & present in the moment. You use all your mental & physical energy engaging in the activity rather then worrying about external thoughts/problems.