Be Mindful

To be mindful means taking the time, just 5 minutes here and there to truly be alert in the moment. Our minds are designed to think. To be mindful allows you to have thoughts but to practice in letting it them go.

Use this time to focus on the present. It is perfectly natural for your mind to drift off.

You just want to gently brush those thoughts to one side and refocus on the present moment.

How to be mindful?

Be vigilant, it all about noticing what’s happening at each stage of your journey

Look out for animals, wildlife, count how many birds you see on your journey. t’s just about acknowledging that you have noticed them there.

Pick a colour, doesn’t matter which. Count how many times you see something in that colour until you arrive at your destination.

Try to pay attention to different people, notice distinguishing features about them. What are they wearing ? Try to describe them to yourself.

What buildings are around you ? Is there a specific building in particular that stand ' out ? Take note of its details.

When stuck in a traffic jam. Look around you, what can you see ? What vehicles are there ? Are there any loud noises ?

Remember it’s about being in the present moment. All of this activity around you is happening in the here and now. It’s about being conscious and vigilant, not living in the past or daydreaming about the future.

Practising these mindful techniques can help to take your mind off any troubles, worries and anxieties you might be feeling. They can be a great way to deal with stress.

Taking mindfulness to the next level

The aim is that you practice these 5 minute moments throughout your day to make you more alert and aware of what is happening in your life. The aim is to be able to go to bed at night and think of the small moments that stand out from your day.

Enjoying a hot drink. Watching the steam rise from the cup. Being aware of the warmth of the cup on your hands.

What does your drink taste like ?

Eating your food and savouring your meal. Pick out the flavours you can taste. Take your time to really enjoy and chew each mouthful.

Sit and listen. What can you hear? Traffic perhaps, children playing, birds singing?

Remember…. don’t get wrapped up in thoughts about what you’re being mindful about as that will defeat the object of the exercise. Just acknowledge the thought and move on.