Practicing Mindfulness and Why it’s Important?
Did you know that the average person spends about 47% of their time thinking about things other than what they’re doing in the present moment? That means nearly half of our waking hours are spent anywhere but here and now! When I learned this, it really shook me—it was such a wake-up call. It made me wonder (and you’re probably thinking the same): how can I reclaim that 47% of my life? The answer is simple: practice mindfulness.
What is Mindfulness?
These days, the word “mindfulness” gets used a lot, but if you’re not entirely sure what it means, let me break it down for you. Mindfulness is simply being fully present in the moment. It’s when your mind isn’t overwhelmed with thoughts or anxiety—you’re just observing what’s happening around you without judgment. In simpler terms, it’s the practice of paying attention.
It’s also important to know that you don’t have to be 100% present all the time—honestly, that might not even be possible. Our thoughts serve a purpose, and it’s okay to get lost in them occasionally. The real issue is when we spend so much time in our heads that we miss out on what’s happening in our daily lives. We stop noticing and appreciating the little things.
The good news is, just recognizing this pattern can help you shift your focus. You can start training your mind to stay more in the present instead of constantly worrying about what might happen in the future.
Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness
Before we dive into how to practice mindfulness, let’s take a moment to explore why it’s so important. A healthy lifestyle starts with a healthy mindset, and a healthy mindset is built on mindful awareness. When your mind is in a positive, present-focused state, you feel more inspired, motivated, and overall better. The small, everyday challenges bother you less, and you’re better prepared to handle the bigger ones.
Being more mindful can lead to healthier choices in all areas of life. You’re more likely to eat better, stick to consistent morning and night routines, and maintain a regular workout schedule. Mindfulness helps you focus on the person you are right now—not the person you were in the past or might be in the future, but the present you.
The benefits of mindfulness are endless, but here are just a few to get you excited about starting your journey.
Reduce Stress
We often mistake negative emotions like stress or anxiety as permanent parts of who we are, saying things like, “I am stressed.” In reality, these are temporary feelings. A better approach is to say, “I’m experiencing stress right now.” Recognizing emotions as fleeting helps us shift perspective, detach from negativity, and reduce the stress they bring.
Improve Focus and Concentration
Practicing mindfulness regularly helps quiet the mental chatter, allowing you to focus better on the present moment. With fewer distractions in your mind, you can improve your concentration, work more efficiently, and complete tasks with greater accuracy.
Prevent Burnout
When work gets overwhelming, we often ignore the signals our bodies send and keep pushing through, no matter how bad we feel. Mindfulness helps us tune into those signals, allowing us to pause and address what feels off. By creating a deeper connection with ourselves, we can re-center and stay present, preventing stress and burnout from building up.
Better Decision Making
You’ll learn how to organize your thoughts into categories—the ones that are helpful and the ones that simply aren’t. You’ll be able to use this newfound gift in key decision-making moments in your life. This will help you sift through the chaos to focus on the main problem you are trying to solve.
Increase Happiness
When we let go of past stress and future uncertainties, we free ourselves from the anxiety that drags us down each day. By incorporating some mindfulness exercises into your routine, you can start to release what no longer serves you and create more space for what truly benefits you.
How to Practice Mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life is simpler than it seems. The challenge is often just remembering to do it. What has worked best for me is using everyday habits as gentle reminders to practice mindfulness. I’ve shared a few of my favorite examples below, but feel free to use anything that works for you as your personal reminder.
Practicing Mindfulness Eating
Have you ever been eating while mindlessly scrolling through your phone, only to accidentally bite your tongue? That pain is the universe’s way of saying, “Wake up!” Focus on what’s right in front of you. You took the time to prepare the meal, and you spent money on it—so take the time to savor and enjoy every delicious bite.
Mindful Conversations
Stay present and focused on what the person in front of you is saying, without worrying about what to say next. Listen fully, then respond. Not only will you remember more of the conversation later, but your interactions will become more meaningful, helping you build stronger connections with those around you.
Brushing Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth is another great reminder to practice mindfulness. I love this one because it helps you focus on the present moment at both the beginning and end of your day.
These mindfulness reminders can be anything you choose. Other examples might include walking your dog, washing dishes, cooking, or showering. Any small daily habit is a perfect opportunity to consistently practice mindfulness.
I hope these tips help, and I encourage you to start incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine. Trust me, you’ll quickly feel the incredible benefits once you do.
Enjoy the journey, my friends
