Mehmet K.It can be difficult to focus on the present without thinking too much about the future, or excessively dwelling on the past. It’s our nature to want to predict what’s ahead of us, and to learn from the past. But there are times where it can pay to simply live in the moment. Embracing the present can help us live our lives more fully, and to stress less about what is coming next or what has come before. However, staying in the moment is sometimes easier said than done. To help you out, here are some tips that help me stay in the present.
Pausing to Take in the Moment
When we fail to appreciate the moments that pass us by, our lives can slip by at what seems like light speed. It’s a shame when we embrace the mundanity of life, and have each experience blend together with the last without creating lasting memories. That is precisely what a mindful pause is for: to avoid pushing fast-forward on our lived experiences. A mindful pause is when we take the time to concentrate on the present, and to take in and focus on the environment and beauty of the moment. Mindful pauses can either be pre-scheduled (e.g., you can add an event to your calendar or schedule to remind you to have a mindful pause), or you can simply embrace them when the thought to have one occurs to you. Whatever your method, introducing mindful pauses into your day can help you stay in the present, longer.
Journaling Consistently
When life seems to be passing us by too quickly, it can always help to take a moment to actively reflect on our current situation. One of the greatest ways to manifest a focus on the present is to write down your thoughts and describe your recent experiences. Also known as journaling, committing your inner feelings to paper can really help you to stay in the present more easily. It can also help you come to grips with situations that may seem out of your control, like a challenge at work or a personal situation at home. Whatever you’re going through, and whatever you want to encapsulate in writing, a journal can help you do just that.
Enjoy Your Meal Time
As important as it is to maintain a proper diet, there are limits to how far we should push meal planning. In my opinion, when every meal we have is boring and lacking in flavor — eaten purely for health benefits and getting enough nutrients and minerals — then we tend to
One Thing at a Time
Sometimes it helps to take it one thing at a time. While multitasking can be tempting — especially when you have a lot on your plate — it does not always help when it comes to savoring the moment and living in the present. When you focus solely on one task, or one project, at any given time (also known as monotasking), it can truly slow things down perceptually. It also allows you to be more productive and intentional with the time you do dedicate toward your task than you might otherwise be. It can also help you stay more engaged with your environment, and be more aware with the actions and expressions of those around you. While you do not have to monotask all the time, it certainly can help you stay in the present.
Breathing Exercises
Taking the time to perform simple breathing exercises — even just 5 minutes — can have both physical and mental health benefits. Research published in the journal “Frontiers in Physiology” claims that breathing exercises can even help combat some of the risk factors that contribute to heart disease, such as high blood pressure and hypertension. It can also help reduce your stress level and improve your ability to breathe overall. To top it all off, when you are focusing on your breathing, it is much easier to stay in the present moment.
Conclusion
Sometimes, it pays to stay in the present. While we can often get carried away by thoughts of the future, or ruminations of our past, there are great benefits to sticking to the moments we are living in right now. From mindful pauses to breathing exercises, there are great ways to slow down and take in our lived experience. If you are interested in other mindfulness, wellness, or lifestyle articles, please check out our blog for more!
