Spring is a time of renewal, a time when we have the opportunity to look forward to the year ahead and plan, set goals and even dreams! Practicing mindfulness is a great way to stay calm and connected with yourself, which helps to keep you on your path. And here’s the thing, mindfulness can be practiced anywhere, while doing anything, and you don’t have to know how to meditate! Here are some tips for bringing mindfulness into your day while doing ordinary things. 

Set an Intention 

Start your morning with setting an intention. This does not need any fancy action other than being present. Take a moment to think about what you want to accomplish in your day, week, month, year or life and set your mind on it. No ritual necessary. Just a conscious thought that you can check back in with. Sometimes you might find you have to reset, and sometimes you may celebrate the times when you remain on track! The key is to check in with yourself, consciously and without judgment. 

Ground Yourself

This sounds a lot more involved than it is — and it does not mean to put yourself on a time out! Well kind of, because it does mean to take time out from your current task in order to be consciously present. More formally, grounding, or earthing, refers to connecting a part of your body to the earth and its subtle, electrical energy. You can achieve this by walking barefoot outside for example. But grounding can also be done inside. Next time you are sitting in a chair at your desk, take a moment to focus on the connection of your feet to the floor. Pay attention to your breath and try this 10-Minute Practice to Grounding. 

Exercise With Focus

Generally when we exercise, we do it during a period of the day when we are taking a break from our usual daily obligations. This makes exercise a particularly good time to incorporate mindfulness. Again, there is no fancy training required. Mindful exercise suggests we unplug and pay attention to our surroundings, the body’s movement, breath, and even our thoughts. Not only do you reap the benefits of connecting with yourself in a meaningful way, but also studies show that you will get more enjoyment from your exercise regime! Check out these 8 Ways to Bring Mindfulness to Your Exercise Routine.

Engage Your Senses

Another simple technique you can take with you wherever you go, is to pause and bring awareness to your five senses, one sense at a time (vision, touch, sound, smell, and taste). Paying attention and assessing your feelings in this focused and methodical way heightens your senses and connects you to yourself in space and time. Here is a Five Senses Worksheet to help guide you!

Keep a Gratitude Journal 

Research has shown that gratitude has a positive effect on our well being. Yet, our brains are wired to remember the negative experiences over the positive ones! In order to balance this unfortunate natural tendency, it takes mindful acknowledgement of the things we are grateful for. Keeping a gratitude journal accomplishes just that! Reserve a few minutes a day to recollect some things you are grateful for and you will have not only practiced mindfulness, but also brought yourself more joy. 🧡