5 daily habits to lead a more mindful life

A woman sitting on a sofa in a living room

While we can’t escape everyday stress, like traffic on the way to work or waking up on the wrong side of the bed (literally!), we are able to control the way we handle these pesky setbacks.

It’s easy (and normal) to let the negative outweigh the positive (hello, burnout 👋 ), and quickly forget to appreciate the simple things in life.

Put your self-care higher on your priority list; this will vastly improve your quality of life. Pause to be grateful. Acknowledge what satisfies you. Stop and smell the roses (seriously), or at the very least, look up from your phone long enough to see them 😉.

Here are 4 daily habits to help you lead a more mindful life 🧘‍♀️ 

Belly Breathing

When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, the best way to return to a mindful, relaxed state is to practice belly breathing. Relax your shoulders, and focus on inhaling into the lower lungs, expanding your belly as you do so. Exhale, and as all the air leaves, your belly should move towards the spine. This type of breathing is really powerful in reducing anxiety anywhere—and—at any time. 

 

Walking

A recent study found that the average person only spends around five percent of their day outside. Why not drink your morning coffee and go for a little stroll down the road or in a park, taking a moment to think about what you can see, smell, and taste? That daily connection to nature will help you feel more mindful and, at the same time, you will benefit from some extra vitamin D. We ♥️ Stojo for reusable cups that don't take up any space.

 

Eat Without Your Phone

How many of you will grab lunch and scroll through the gram at the same time? You end up eating mindlessly and usually forget to hear the signs to say that you’re full. Eating undistracted and really focusing on the taste and texture of your food will help you enjoy and appreciate the yummy nutrients so much more.

 

Observe Your Thoughts

Here’s a fun game – stop what you’re doing and start observing your thoughts. Can you do that? What do you notice? Try it and see what happens! 

 

 

Gratitude Diary

Studies show that you can increase your happiness by 10 percent through writing a daily gratitude journal. It is a great way to practice thinking about what you have in your life, rather than what you don’t, and appreciating the little things in life, like being able to take a moment to enjoy your Soulful OnePot 😉. We ♥️ a paper diary, our faves are Papier.