We all know that feeling when life starts to get hectic and finding mindful moments can feel like a luxury. But it doesn’t have to! First things first …mindfulness is not the same as meditation.  Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present when doing something. So, although meditation needs you to be mindful, mindfulness doesn’t need meditation… although there are many benefits to meditation practices!

The thing is that when you first start practising mindfulness it can be a bit challenging especially if you’re used to multitasking, but it doesn’t have to feel like work! By bringing mindfulness into every day activities, it can help you to cultivate moments of peace, focus and calm… wherever you are and whatever you are doing.

Here’s five wellness tips on how to be mindful in the moment and bring your attention to the present

showeringFocus When Showering Or Cleansing Your Face

Turn your daily facial cleaning and showering into more than just a skincare routine… turn it into a mindful practice.

Be present as you massage the cleanser into your skin… take time to notice the texture, the feeling of the water. Inhale the scent of the product and see how it makes you feel and tune into the sensation of the water, whether you like it warm or cool. Take a moment to really understand how your skin feels at each step. This simple practice can help to ground you in the present, adding a special layer of mindfulness into your skincare routine. Skincare is self care, right?

Eat Mindfully

Does this sound like you – eating mindlessly maybe over the TV or doom scrolling on your phone? Let’s stop that!

Another way you can introduce more mindful moments into your day is by chewing mindfully. Put down the screens and slow down. Take your time to savour each bite of your food. Pay attention to the textures, the flavours… how the food feels in your mouth. Not only will you be paying more attention to your hunger and fullness ques that will help improve digestion, it will also enhance your overall eating experience.

Practice Mindful Breathing

Let’s not overcomplicate this: mindfulness can be as simple as taking a deep breath. You can do this wherever you are: at your desk, on a walk, or in the middle of a busy day… just stop and take a moment to focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, and then exhale slowly. Feel the coolness of the air as you inhale. Close your eyes and notice the rhythm of your breath and bring your attention to how your body feels as you breathe in and out.

Mindful breathing can help centre your thoughts and bring calmness to stressful moments, improving your mental health.

Be Present in Your Daily Routine

Don’t rush through the daily routines on autopilot – try to be more present. Everyday tasks, such as brushing your teeth, preparing coffee, or commuting, offer an opportunity to be present. Make sure that you’re paying attention to each small action and the sensations that come with it. For example, when brushing your teeth, notice the movement of the toothbrush and the taste of the toothpaste. When making your morning coffee, focus on the aroma and the sound of the water.

By being present in these moments, you can transform mundane activities into calming rituals that you look forward to, rather than thinking ahead of what’s next on your to-do list.

Embrace Mindfulness in Movementmindfulness

Did you know that mindfulness doesn’t always require stillness? There are plenty of ways you can practice mindfulness while walking, exercising, or stretching. During movement, focus on how your body feels, the sensation of your feet on the ground, or how your muscles stretch. You can fit this in anywhere, from a quick walk around the block or stretching after a long day, engage with your body and surroundings helps create mindful moments in motion.

Mindfulness is about finding moments where you can be really present throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be a chore and you’ll find that the more you do it, the easier it will be. It can help add a sense of calmness to your every day and keep you present in the moment… we all need a little of that, don’t we?

By bringing these small practices into your day, you can enjoy the benefits of mindfulness wherever you are. So why don’t you try adding these into your daily routine, and experience the positive shift they can add to your wellbeing and reduce stress.