One thing that I have learned this past year that will forever stick with me is the term “mindfulness”. This was first introduced to me by my counselor during one of our very first sessions. The practice of mindfulness is to be completely at the moment. To enjoy the right now. It's to appreciate what is happening at that very point and time. Whether that is when you’re driving you to enjoy the view rather than how much longer you have until you reach your destination. If you’re with your friends you’re enjoying the company rather than thinking about the paper you have due next week.
The only problem is I suck at mindfulness. I am what you would call a worrywart! Which sometimes isn’t always bad but a majority of the time it is not the best thing to be.
It has come up a few times lately from a couple people that I need to worry less and enjoy the moment more. Now that’s pretty hard for me to do so I have been wracking my brain on ways to make this possible, I thought I would share a list of things that I have composed that help you enjoy the moment more, hope it helps my fellow worrywarts!
- 4-7-8 breathing. This is where you breathe in for four counts, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. It is next to impossible to think about anything else when you’re regulating your breathing.
- If you start to feel overwhelmed point out 5 things you see around the room and expand on each of those things.
- Listen to your favorite song and get absolutely lost in it for that 3 to 4-minute time frame.
- Sit down with a good book and become one of the characters for the next hundred plus pages.
- If you’re hanging out with friends, think about why it’s a good thing to be with them and to be out and about. How is it healthy?
- Go for a run, walk, bike ride, anything that’ll get your endorphins moving. Not only will it be making you healthier but will also make you happier.
- Start to journal or write, this is something I started recently and I already see a huge change in how I see things.
- Go someplace by yourself. Learn to enjoy things when it's just you and it’ll become easier to enjoy things with others around.
- Learn that it is okay to be afraid to try things, but also learn that being afraid is just a state of mind that you can beat.
- Lastly, learn to love yourself. This is the hardest but most important one of them all. If you can love yourself, then staying mindful and in the moment will be a piece of cake. (speaking of cake, go enjoy a piece, you deserve it!)
Here’s to all those souls out there scared to enjoy the moment, if I can, you can. Let's give it a try.
Mack
