Busy Girl's Guide to Mindfulness
Written by Ashleen Grange
As summer comes to an end, the incoming season is bound to bring many new and exciting changes (and not just with the leaves). Whether you’re returning to school, starting a new job, or heading out to travel the world – life is about to get crazy.
What better time than now to start practicing mindfulness techniques to help re-center and recharge? More than just a trendy buzzword, to be mindful is to literally live in the moment. Reaching a mental state where we are fully in tune with our bodies and our surroundings brings clarity, and most importantly peace of mind. Lucky for us busy girls on the go, there are many quick, easy and effective mindfulness techniques that ensure we stay cool, calm and collected while conquer whatever life throws our way!
Meditation
This tried and true exercise has been practiced for thousands of years in many cultures, and is central to a mindfulness routine. There are a variety of different meditation practices you can try depending on your environment, and what your desired goal is. While most people find meditating in a quiet, secluded area most effective, you can incorporate the practice in your everyday life wherever you are. For example, on your next commute, try concentrating solely on your breathing, focusing on each inhale and exhale. Tune out the background noise of your surroundings.
Simple exercises like these are great for calming our minds, and focalizing our energy in the present moment. If you have access to the Internet, there are plenty great resources, like YouTube videos and podcasts, with guided meditations that will talk you through your routine.
Simple exercises like these are great for calming our minds, and focalizing our energy in the present moment. If you have access to the Internet, there are plenty great resources, like YouTube videos and podcasts, with guided meditations that will talk you through your routine.
Visualization
Who says having your head in the clouds is a bad thing? Studies have found that there are actually many physical benefits to visualization exercises, including lowered blood pressure, as well as reduction of stress hormones in the blood. If there is a task that you are dreading or putting off, try simply picturing yourself doing it in your mind. Then, imagine yourself completing the task. Really try to engage as many of the senses as you can, right down to smell! These visualizations trigger our brains to process the task in a more rational and positive way. Literally dreaming our goals into existence!
Unplugging and Logging Off
To be mindful means to be calm, and most importantly, free of distractions. Now let’s be honest – how many of us are constantly turning to our phones and other devices whenever we are trying to take our minds off of something or someone? (Trust me, I’ve been there). Here’s a quick fix: Go “ghost” 15 minutes once a day. Log out off all of your social media, turn off notifications – go on airplane mode if you have to! The next day, try going ghost for 30 minutes, then 45, an hour etc. Use these free pockets of time to try any of the mindfulness exercises listed above. Or, have a conversation with a family member about their day. Read! Write! Go for a walk!
It might seem impossible to detach ourselves from our screens at first, but soon you’ll realize how more focused you feel when our minds are brought back to center.
Reflection
When we are busy, it can be difficult to find time to pause and reflect in the moment. It’s not that we aren’t grateful for what we have; we just get so caught up in whatever task needs to be completed next. In the new season, I want to dedicate more time to truly thanking the universe, my family, friends and even myself, for getting me to where I am, wherever that may be. Before going to bed, jot down a list of everything you are thankful for in the moment. Putting in time to express gratitude not only results in a positive outlook, but it also puts things in perspective for the next time you find yourself in a stressful situation. You’re welcome!
And there you have it -- four simple, yet effective techniques that will hopefully invite a little peace into our soon-to-be-hectic schedules. Now, get ready to welcome autumn with open arms and a clear mind!
Photos:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-white-sleeveless-lace-shirt-935985/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photography-of-woman-listening-to-music-1181367/
https://unsplash.com/photos/jwV9ep7wU-o
https://unsplash.com/photos/LCMh96lFMkI
