When you hear the word “mindful”, you probably think of a hippie type person who burns incense while meditating before doing yoga. While, this is one version of a mindful person, it’s not the only. There are so many ways that you can tweak your habits that create a more mindful life. I’m not talking to the person who wants great big changes right now, I’m talking to the person who wants to slow down and enjoy a little bit more!
1. Make Your Bed
I used to never understand this concept. My style of living is an organized mess. If I was just going to get back into bed and mess it up, why do it? Well, just try it and see how it feels. For me, I feel more put together. As a messy person, it’s a nice surprise to walk in to the bedroom to a nicely made bed. When you go to bed, it’s so much more satisfying and comfortable to lie down in sheets and blankets that perfectly drape over you.
2. Go for a Mindful Walk
I love going for walks. For me, it’s my time to put in my headphones and listen to an uplifting book or podcast. Being outside and connecting with nature is so good for our souls, and making it a daily habit will change your entire day. Usually, I take a walk on my lunch break (at work or working from home). Doing this gives me a little boost of energy to help me power through the afternoon. I also like to do it at night to help transition my brain into “relax” mode. My boyfriend and I enjoy the moonlight and talk about our days, our goals and everything in between.
3. Catch up on Daily Chores
Rinse your plate when you’re done, throw your clothes in the hamper, and yes, fold your clothes once they’re dry. Spend 15 minutes cleaning an area of your house. It adds up quick. For a long time I would only deep clean on Sundays, and then do dishes and laundry a couple times a week. Taking 15-20 minutes out of every day keeps your home clean. A decluttered home declutters your mind.
Related: Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind
4. Be Mindful of your Eating Habits
Stop dieting. Please, stop. Eat natural foods when you’re hungry, and then stop eating when you’re full. It’s really that simple. Trust yourself to eat good foods that will make you feel amazing! When you’re hungry, eat. Savor every single bite. When you’re full, stop eating. By listening to your body, you are going to feel so much more amazing.
5. Create Little Routines
Write down 5 things you are grateful for when you wake up. Drink sleepy tea before you go to bed. Add as many little routines in your day as you can. Having little things you do that make you feel good force you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
6. Write in a Happiness Journal
Every day, write a sentence about something good that happened. Doing this will make you pay more attention to the good moments in your day, and at the end of the year you will have this beautiful memento of daily good memories. I highly recommend the Happiness Journal by Gretchen Rubin. You can start any day of the year. It’s a cute little hardback book that you can store anywhere. You can keep memories for 5 year in it, I love it!
Get it Here: The Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal: A Five-Year Record
How many of these tips do you already do? Let me know in the comments!
