How to Practice Mindfulness?

Mindfulness does not need to be the formal practice, says Susan Power Wu, PhD, RN, FAAN, president of Mind & Life Institute.

Here are the following three tips on how to practice mindfulness in everyday life:

1. Focus On One Task

First, try to focus on what you're doing at that moment, whether washing the dishes, petting the dog, or playing with your kids. It's a way to give ourselves a mental break, so we're not just busy with thoughts and ongoing planning, "says Power Wu.

Being immersed in one task — rather than trying to do multiple things at once, will allow you to be more present, which the Bauer-Wu says can help you personally but can also positively impact others.

She says we'll be better listeners, better co-workers, and better partners. Mindfulness affects how you interact with others and the choices you make.

2. Pay Attention To Your Environment

By listening to the sounds of birds or thinking about how the breeze feels when it hits your skin, you are drawing your attention to the present moment.

Being immersed in nature can help you do this, but it is possible anywhere. Go for a walk, look outside your window and notice how trees sway or watch people move.

If you do it more and sprinkle your days with these moments of mindfulness, the body will have more time when it feels relaxed, says Power Wu.

3. Notice Your Breathing

Just noticing your breath and paying attention to each inhale and exhale can help you build alertness.

If we take the time to spread awareness of our breathing, we slow our thoughts down for a few moments, and so our bodies calm down, says Power Wu.

You can do this anytime during the day because your breath is always with you. Although focusing on your breath is the first step to learning how to meditate.

Mindfulness Tips From The Experts

The book we adapted as a diagram above discusses the use of mindfulness as an umbrella of sorts—a way to keep peace in a world that is ever increasing frenzy. No matter how hectic your daily life is, mastering mindfulness can help you stay grounded.

Here are some tips:

• Start your day with meditations: When you wake up and open your eyes, pause and take five deep breaths. Know your thoughts and try to accept them for what they are
• Use the breathing spaces to mark your day: Use the breathing spaces at predetermined intervals throughout the day.
• Keep practicing alertness: In the best way, you can continue to exercise and train. This will help you maintain a state of alertness throughout as much of your day as possible
• Be friends with your feelings: Try to be friends with whatever feelings you have throughout the day. Be open and welcome even bad feelings
• When you will feel tired, frustrated, anxious, or angry, take some space to breathe: This will help you stop yourself again. You can also do some basic stretching when you're feeling tired or like you're lacking in energy.
• Mindfulness Activities: Stay awake throughout the day as often as possible. If you're outside, take in all the smells and sensations associated with it. Even dull tasks like washing the dishes, feel the sensations while you work.
• Increase Your Level of Exercise: See if you can bring a discerning and inquisitive attitude to your body while exercising.

Here are the following three tips on how to practice mindfulness in everyday life:

Focus On One Task

First, try to focus on what you're doing at that moment, whether washing the dishes, petting the dog, or playing with your kids. It's a way to give ourselves a mental break, so we're not just busy with thoughts and ongoing planning, "says Power Wu.

Being immersed in one task — rather than trying to do multiple things at once — allows you to be more present, which the Bauer-Wu says can help you personally but can also positively impact others.

She says we'll be better listeners, better co-workers, and better partners. Mindfulness affects how you interact with others and the choices you make.

Pay Attention To Your Environment

By listening to the sounds of the birds or thinking about how the breeze feels when it hits your skin, you are drawing your attention to the present moment.

Being immersed in nature can help you do this, but it is possible anywhere. Go for a walk, look outside your window and notice how trees sway or watch people move.

If you do it more and sprinkle your days with these moments of mindfulness, the body will have more time when it feels relaxed, says Power Wu.

Notice Your Breathing

Just noticing your breath and paying attention to each inhale and exhale can help you build alertness.

If we take the time to spread awareness of our breathing, we slow our thoughts down for a few moments, and so our bodies calm down, says Power Wu.

You can do this anytime during the day because your breath is always with you. It isn't formal meditation - although focusing on your breath is the first step to meditation.

Here Are Some Mindfulness Tips From The Experts

• Start your day with meditations: When you wake up and open your eyes, pause and take five deep breaths. Know your thoughts and try to accept them for what they are
• Use the breathing spaces to mark your day: Use the breathing spaces at predetermined intervals throughout the day.
• Keep practicing alertness: In the best way, you can continue to exercise and train. This will help you maintain a state of alert throughout as much of your day as possible.
• Be friends with your feelings: Whatever feelings you have throughout the day, try to be friends with them. Be open and welcome even bad feelings.
• When you will feel tired, frustrated, anxious, or angry, take some space to breathe: This will help you stop yourself again. You can also do some basic stretching when you're feeling tired or like you're lacking in energy.
• Mindfulness Activities: Stay awake throughout the day as often as possible. If you're outside, take in all the smells and sensations associated with it. Even dull tasks like washing dishes, feel the feelings while you work.
• Increase Your Level of Exercise: See if you can bring a wise and curious attitude to your body while exercising.