One of the most common phrases we hear today is “live in the moment” but it’s not always easy to be present in the moment. We get caught up in our thoughts, worries, regrets and it’s hard to focus on the present. But being present in the moment is crucial for our well-being, it helps to reduce stress, improve relationships, and increase our overall sense of happiness. In this blog post, we will discuss 7 practical tips for being more present in the moment.
Ready to start living in the moment? Let’s go!
How Can You Be More Present and Live in the Moment?
Tip #1: Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It is a great tool to help you be more present. To practice mindfulness, try setting aside a few minutes each day for meditation or simply take a mindful walk and focus on your surroundings. If you’re not into meditation, find a quiet place, get rid of ALL of your devices, and just soak in your environment. You’ll be surprised with the positive mental effect.
Tip #2: Eliminate Distractions
Distractions can pull us away from the present moment, it can be easy to get caught up in our phones, social media, and other distractions. Although it might take only a few seconds to check that last email or Instagram notification, the effect of the distraction lasts long after you’ve locked your screen and moved back to what you were doing. To eliminate distractions, try to set aside specific times for checking your phone or social media, and make sure to turn off notifications when you’re engaged in other activities. If you’re working a 9-5, try your best to avoid using your coffee or lunch breaks to sit on your phone and get caught up. Find a coworker to have a chat or get outside and go for a brief walk. I know it’s tough but this will pay dividends!
Tip #3: Prioritize Self-Care
By now, I’m sure most of you have heard about self-care. The pandemic brought the importance of mental health and self-care to the forefront of most people’s minds for one reason or another. But in the event that it’s a completely new concept, self-care is the practice of taking care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. When we prioritize self-care, we are telling ourselves that we are important and that we deserve to be taken care of. You can practice self-care in many ways and its usually based off of things that you and enjoy or are important to you. It can be something as simple as going for a walk, reading a book, or taking a bath. Whatever it is, sit down, look at your current routine, and write some time for self-care into your schedule. By making it a regular part of your daily life, it will be come easier and easier to pull yourself out of what you’re doing and give yourself the attention you deserve.
“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” – Eleanor Brown
Tip #4: Set Aside Time for Reflection
Reflection is an essential tool for being present in the moment. It allows us to process our thoughts, feelings and experiences. To set aside time for reflection, try to schedule regular times for reflection. Although positive reflection is recommended, sometimes it’s important to reflect on areas where you can improve. Don’t get down on yourself, that’s not the point. Use this time to think about all of the positive aspects of your life, but be sure to take advantage of the lessons you can learn from missteps. Don’t let a perfectly good mistake go to waste, use it to fuel self improvement.
Tip #5: Engage the Senses
Engaging the senses is a powerful way to be present in the moment. It helps to ground us in the present and helps to reduce stress. To engage the senses, try to focus on what you’re seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting. Go to that new restaurant you’ve been dying to try or put on your favorite album while you’re at home. Whatever it is, take the time to disconnect and stimulate your whole self.
Tip #6: Practice Gratitude
I’ve talked a lot about gratitude in previous blogs, mainly because of its positive impact in so many areas of our lives. Gratitude can help put things into perspective and really appreciate the things we have, and the goals we have accomplished. So grab your gratitude journal and write down three things that you are thankful for each day. If you can, try to take a few minutes each day and reflect on the things that you’re thankful for.
Tip #7: Find Meaningful Activities
Finding meaningful activities is a great way to be present in the moment. When we engage in activities that we are passionate about, we are able to focus on the present and enjoy the moment. Whether it’s scrapbooking, writing, playing your favorite sport, or just spending time with family and friends, taking the time to do something that’s important to you goes a long way. It can’t just be all work, no play. Get out and enjoy all that life has to offer. Bonus points if you include others in the process. Make it meaningful for others and help them live in the moment along with you!
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Bonus Tip #8: 54321 Method
Although I didn’t come up with this idea, I think it’s an interesting concept so give it a try and let me know if it works! If you’ve got your own system or method that you use, let me know as well. I’d love to hear from you.
The Wrap Up.
Being present in the moment is crucial for our well-being. By practicing mindfulness, eliminating distractions, prioritizing self-care, setting aside time for reflection, engaging the senses, practicing gratitude, and finding meaningful activities, we can improve our ability to be present in the moment. Remember that being present in the moment takes time and effort, but in the end it’s well worth it.
If you want to take your personal growth to the next level and learn how to be more present in the moment, consider working with a coach. With Be You International, I offer one-on-one coaching sessions to help you achieve your goals and live a more balanced life. Our coaches specialize in mindfulness, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and many other areas that can help you to be more present in the moment.
If you’d like to work together to see how a certified life coach can help you achieve your personal goals then let’s talk!