Five Easy Ways to be More Mindful This Minute

Chances are you’ve been looking at your screen for a while, perhaps busy processing, and computing, or just trying to fill time.

Being mindful can happen at all parts of the day.
Here are a few tips to come into the present moment whenever you feel the need.

Body Scan: Whether standing, sitting, or lying down, we often position ourselves in ways that are not aligned. A body scan is an internal check, going from bottom to top, to assess our comfort. Often a body check will result in a change of stance or proper posture.

Sensation: We have five core senses, and arguably more less sentient. Checking into one, or all five, is a good way to enter the present moment. Smelling an essential oil, listening to good music, tasting a candy, feeling something smooth, or repeating a mantra, allow us to still our mind with concentration on the sensation.

Self-Massage: Our hands and feet are incredible maps of pressure points that represent the rest of our bodies including all of our major organs, and our jaws hold the tension of our hips. Kneading, pressing, or just holding our sensitive parts helps to nourish the body and bring the mind into awareness. There are plenty of self-massage videos on YouTube- but it’s intuitive, find what feels good. Here’s one that shows the 10 most helpful acupressure points.

Stretch: If you know any form of yoga, you know how gratifying it can be to take a few moments in an asana. Stopping whatever you’re doing and taking time to stretch is a good break to still the mind. Breathe deeply as you stretch, visualizing white light entering your body.

Gratitude: Look around you: really notice what is surrounding you. What is beautiful? What is happy and helpful? Say a few words of thanks for the particulars in your surroundings.