(Disclaimer: In this post I recommend apps and services that have worked for me in my mindfulness journey, however this post is not sponsored, I am simply making recommendations based on my personal experience and opinions.)
Hi all!
Today I thought I would share something that has really changed my life and improved my mental health and overall quality of life. And that is Mindfulness.
I found mindfulness a few years ago, probably around 2016, but didn’t fully start practicing it until late 2017 when I was in the throes of my illness and had just started seeing my therapist. I needed a way to stop worrying so much about the future and things that were out of my control, and to find a way to appreciate the place and time I was in, even though there was nothing I wanted less than to be home, sick, and feel completely stuck in my life.
As someone who struggles with anxiety and the need for control in my life, finding a way to live in the present moment, which is the only thing you can control, has alleviated a lot of my stress. Don’t get me wrong, I still struggle with worrying about what’s to come and stress myself up about things that have happened in the past, but not nearly as much as I used to.
I thought I would tell you guys about some of the mindfulness practices and activities that have helped me in a major way to cope in my life.
Meditation is the number one thing. I started out with guided meditations, which I always recommend to anyone who is new to meditation. I used the Calm app when I first started and I still use it to this day, I think they have a great variety of different meditations for different occasions, such as for an anxious moment, for a confidence boost, for sleep and many more. They also have meditations for kids and sleep stories, which I think is incredible. It does cost money monthly to use, but to me it is worth it.
When I started meditating I did it every once in a while, when I felt like I needed it or like I found the time to do it. However, nowadays I meditate (almost) daily, there may be a day here or there that I miss my practice, but I try not to because I just feel so much better if I do it. Finding a way to observe my thoughts is an incredible superpower to have, to be able to have a thought and recognize if it will serve me in the long run, and if not to let it go, without judgement. Also, slowing my mind down to be able to focus on what is really important and be present so I don’t miss out on actually living my life because I am so wrapped up in my thoughts, it’s incredible. Now, I am not an expert in any way and I have by no means mastered this and can still struggle with intrusive thought or overthinking, but it has gotten so much better than it was just a few years ago.
These days I use the Mindspo meditation method, which is a three step method that includes visualization, mantra meditation, and gratitude. I found Mindspo on Instagram and fell in love with their whole concept and vibe, if you are curious about meditation and generally up leveling your life, I recommend you check them out. They have different programs on their website, one of them being their signature meditation method, and for me this method works amazingly. You can find them on Instagram like I said @mindspo, on their YouTube channel, and on their website mindspo.com.
One thing I absolutely love about this meditation method is that it includes a gratitude practice. Finding the small things in your life to be grateful for every day has made such a huge difference in my overall state of mind. I find more joy in life and find myself appreciating things in my life, big and small, on a much larger scale than I ever did before. I find myself feeling happier more of the time because I am grateful for the things I do have, instead of feeling sad, jealous or contempt for the things I do not have. It is an amazing practice that truly changes your life.
Another thing I have found helps me so much is being in nature. I know for my mom she feels a sense of relief and calm when being by the ocean, and while I also love the water, I experience these feelings when I am in the forest, surrounded by trees and listening to the wildlife around me. So it’s just about finding what works for you. But even as I am writing this I am sitting out in the yard while feeling the sun on my face, listening to the birds chirping and breathing in the fresh air, and I feel so much calm and connectedness.
Going for a long mindful walk in nature with my dog, just taking in the sight of the light green leaves that have just sprouted on the trees, the feel of the wind in my hair, and the smell of the flowers and the earth underneath my feet, it makes me feel alive and so incredibly grateful to be where I am. Getting in touch with nature and mother earth makes me feel connected and like I belong, which is not something I have always felt.
Some smaller activities that I have found and enjoy and that help with being present in the moment are adult coloring books, doing a puzzle ore reading a good book. I have always been someone that needs to multitask, like I find it very hard to just sit and watch tv, I need to be on my computer or my phone at the same time, but through mindfulness I have found it easier to slow my mind down and not feel as restless and actually enjoy whatever activity I am doing. It helps to have things like the ones I mentioned that require your full focus, this way, while I’m doing, let’s say a puzzle, I am not thinking about what is going to happen tomorrow or overanalyzing that thing that happened yesterday, I am solely focused on what is right in front of me. And I have always loved reading so getting lost in a really good book is something I always enjoy. (Let me know if you guys are interested in some book recommendations, both for mindfulness but also just books for pleasure and fun!)
Music is also a great way to mindfully focus on what is happening in the present moment. I love to just put on my favorite playlist and just dance it out and feel the music, not worrying about what I look like and just letting go of everything besides what I am hearing and feeling in that moment.
One thing that practicing mindfulness has really helped me see is how important it can be to just be in the moment you are in and feel whatever you are feeling in that moment. Whether that be happiness and contentment, or sadness and heaviness. And that sometimes you can feel crappy but still find the beauty in life. Like today, as I am writing this, I got some discouraging news last night that has left me feeling a little low, but right now, as I’m sitting outside I can still enjoy and feel energized by the sun on my skin, the light breeze in the air, and the music that I’m listening to. Finding the balance and appreciating life, even in your toughest moments, it truly has shifted my outlook and my life.
Essentially mindfulness is a great practice to try to incorporate into your daily life, being present while you eat, shower or sit and talk to a friend, it helps you find the small pleasures in life and truly enjoy them.
I hope you enjoyed this post! If you have any questions or want me to expand on something I have mentioned please let me know in the comments. Or if you also enjoy living your life mindfully and you have any advice or have found something that works in your life, please share so we can all help each other out! I am still on a journey of growing and learning as well so I would love to hear what has helped you guys!
Until next time!
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