A common misconception about mindfulness is that it only involves meditation. While the practice does have its roots in meditative practices, any type of reflective technique that shifts your thoughts away from your usual preoccupation toward an appreciation of the moment and a broader perspective of life can be a mindful practice.1 Practicing mindfulness in your daily routine is not as hard as you may think. The first step is to make a conscious decision to put down your phone and give it a try. Here are some suggested mindful techniques to incorporate into your daily routine:
- Connect with your Senses: While going about mundane tasks in your day-to-day – like washing your hands, driving your car, or simply being aware your breathing – give your full attention to the sights, sounds, and feelings of the activity.
- Be a Single-Tasker: Focus on doing one thing at a time from start to finish. You may need to switch off as many distractions as possible and ask others to respect your need for concentration. Grouping related tasks into categories may enable you to get more done without losing focus.
- Use Mindful Reminders: Your brain is hard wired to be lost in its own thoughts and needs to be shaken out of auto-pilot mode from time-to-time. Use the alarm on your phone to establish time boundaries for dedicated focus on the task at hand. Post notes or pictures in your work area to serve as helpful reminders to practice mindfulness.
- Practice Gratitude: To combat the “negativity bias” that is inherent in humans, keep your focus on the positive things in your life. Actively practicing gratitude not only makes you feel better, it also has a positive impact on health, creativity, relationships, and quality of work.
- Tap into Mindfulness Tools: Leverage mobile apps like Calm or Headspace to help focus your mind. If financial stress is weighing you down, explore Enrich’s Mindfulness Hub to access recorded money meditations and complete journal entries aligned with your financial goals.
Mindfulness is an essential part of emotional wellbeing, just one of the five pillars of wellness. Learn more about Allegacy’s holistic approach to wellness and how we’re different »
