4 Habits That Help Me Stay Present in Everyday Life
What do you do when you can’t find a reason to live?
I woke up this morning feeling woozy. I managed to pull myself out of the bed and went to the office. A few blocks before my office is my favorite coffee shop.
I pulled over in front of the store. Walking in slowly, I felt a bump on my forehead and a sharp pain covered my eyes.
I had hit my head on the door because my eyes were on my phone. I was absent-minded and didn’t notice the door in front of me.
This happens to all of us, and one of the reasons is the lack of focus and not knowing how to stay in the present moment.
“When you are engaged and aware of what you are thinking and doing while you are thinking and doing it — and observing what you are thinking and doing with compassion and without judgment — you are experiencing moment-to-moment awareness,” says Beth Gibbs, MA, certified yoga therapist.
Our body is a walking machine. It takes us through our daily routine. Most times, we work on autopilot. We wake up, brush our teeth, take a shower, get dressed, and the next day, we repeat the same old routine we have been on for ages.
We often get carried away with our thoughts and stop focusing on the present. This can negatively affect our mental health by increasing stress and making us more anxious.
Being present isn’t about successfully showing up to work on time and getting through the day. It’s about where your mind is living.
It means being intentional about the way you choose to live and on your terms.
Learning how to be in the present moment is necessary, but adapting it can be incredibly challenging.
In a world where we constantly think about the future and even dwell in the past, it becomes almost impossible to stay in the present. But if you need help with getting started, these four steps will be your guide.
Live in a state of awareness
Think of your surroundings — your community, your home or office, and the people around you. Think about what you are wearing, what you are doing during the day or week.
Most importantly, think about how you feel. If you’re stuck in creating the life you dream of, try to examine the world around you. Meditation, writing, or walking can help you become aware of things happening around you.
Being aware of your environment helps you transcend fear-based reactions and make informed decisions that create the most positive impact on yourself and others.
Help others live their best lives
Psychologists have shown that helping others also improves health and happiness. There is no better way to thrive than to help others thrive.
Helping doesn’t mean mowing their lawn or buying them lunch. It could be a gentle wave or a smile as you pass them.
Helping someone can be just listening to their problems, giving advice, and being there for them in difficult times.
Ultimately, the world is one. We are all together on this journey of life. A small act of kindness can go a long way.
You may not remember the faces of the people you helped, but they will remember your kindness forever.
Nourish yourself with gratitude
Nature increases brain function. Enjoying the view of nature will help your brain in more ways than one.
Walk around, sit in the park and read, or go for a hike in the mountains. Just being outdoors is good for you in so many ways.
It enhances creativity, helps you age better, makes you happier, and you may actually prefer outdoor exercise.
Plus, all the fresh air is a quick way to start your brain. A 20-minute walk outside can wake you up as much as a cup of coffee. So stop taking caffeine and go for a walk whenever you feel depressed.
Set a specific day for you
Sometimes we just need our own space to sit and take stock of everything that is going on in our lives.
Studies show that our “me time” increases happiness, improves life satisfaction, and stress management. People who like spending time by themselves experience less depression.
Spending time alone can help you reconnect with how you feel and gain clarity on the things going on in your life.
Once you learn to embrace solitude, you can let go of any toxic or “filler” friendship. And you’ll learn how to make decisions without anyone’s help.
We only have one life to live, so be intentional about your environment and how it influences you.
Create a routine or break one, depending on how your performance to your current routine is.
Show yourself some self-respect, increase your well-being, help those around you, and give yourself a chance to live your best life.
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