1. Eat nourishing food.
Of course healthy and nutritious food is the best for your body, but I'm not saying you have to go on one of those trendy juice cleanses or eat three smoothie bowls a day (even if they do look too beautiful to be real). Mindful living is all about being aware of your mind, body, and spirit, which is why you should try out a diet of what I like to call "soul food." Eat whatever makes you feel satisfied, refreshed, and energized! It could be a salad full of protein and veggies, homemade chili, or even fried chicken on occasion. Being health conscious is always great but it's more fun to think of eating as an adventure, and one you should fully enjoy. Here are some easy comfort food recipes that will delight your stomach and your soul, so dig in.
2. Learn to meditate.
I can't preach enough about the wonders of meditation! It's one of the most helpful tools in achieving mindfulness and serenity. All of the distractions and obstacles we face in our busy lives can cause us to push our mental well-being to the side, but considering the world we live in today I think it has become more important than ever. Meditation takes a bit of practice, but anyone can do it as long as they have the desire to. Free up some time to sit down, close your eyes, block out your surroundings, and try out some gentle exercises with your mind; it will make you a happier and healthier person in the long run! One of my favorite meditation guides is Headspace, a free smartphone app that leads you through a variety of daily 10 minute sessions. Get ready to feel the zen!
3. Write, write, write!
Keep a journal where you can write down any thoughts, feelings, or ideas you have that you might want to hold onto. Write about the complex workings of your mind, the things you can't say to anyone, your world views, or an interaction you had with someone that resonated with you. This will not only stimulate your brain and memory, but going back and reading your words will undoubtedly help you grow leaps and bounds as a person.
4. Think before you act.
This is what mindfulness is all about. It can be extremely difficult at times to slow down and process what you're about to say or do before you actually say or do it, but only good can come from it. Finding clarity, honesty, and meaning in your actions is key to living in the present and getting the most out of whatever each day may bring you.
5. Feed your dreams and emotions.
These days I've noticed that a lot of adults preach "extreme practicality" to their children and younger loved ones. They tell them to focus on school and work hard so they can go to college, get a well-paying job, and raise a family one day. The problem with this is that it encourages standardization. We are diverse people with all kinds of dreams, and that's OK -- in fact, that's wonderful, as long as we keep our feet on the ground every once in a while, too. Make sure your feelings and goals for the future are in your control; whether they're big or small, socially acceptable or not, keep them alive every single day. Embrace your inner dreamer!
6. Set a daily intention.
It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Maybe your intention is a wish, prayer, or hope to be more than you are right now. Maybe it's a decision to be selfish or selfless, or to focus on something that's needed your attention for a while. Direct a specific energy out into the universe each day and trust that it will be received. If you need some ideas, check out these morning mantras.
7. Appreciate the natural world.
As soon as you step outside in the morning, breathe in the fresh air around you! Take note of the details of your surroundings -- the buildings, landscape, noises, and people. Try to use as many senses as possible. Every aspect of the world can be seen in ten different ways by ten different people, so challenge yourself to see (and think) outside the box. Calm, conscious observation is the essence of what it means to live mindfully.
