5 Tips for Practicing Mindfulness

If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, practicing mindfulness can help you feel more calm, centered, and present. Whether you're new to mindfulness or you're looking for some tips to refresh your practice, here are five tips to help you get started:

1. Set aside specific time for mindfulness practice - It can be challenging to find time to practice mindfulness amidst our busy daily schedules, but setting aside specific time for it can make it easier. Whether it's five minutes in the morning or 20 minutes in the evening, schedule it into your day and treat it like an appointment.

2. Use guided meditations - Guided meditations can be helpful for beginners or those who feel distracted during solo meditation sessions. There are plenty of apps and websites that offer guided meditations, such as Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer.

3. Bring mindfulness into daily activities - Mindfulness doesn't necessarily have to be a separate activity from your daily routine. Rather, you can incorporate it into your daily activities and practice it throughout the day. This can include things like mindful breathing during your commute, mindfully savoring meals, or focusing on the present moment during exercise.

4. Practice non-judgmental awareness - Mindfulness is about observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. When you notice your mind wandering during meditation, don't beat yourself up or feel frustrated. Simply acknowledge the thought or feeling, and gently bring your attention back to the present moment.

5. Be patient and consistent - Like any new habit, it can take time to see the benefits of mindfulness practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't feel immediate benefits. Keep practicing consistently and trust that the benefits will come with time.

By following these tips, you can begin to cultivate a mindfulness practice that helps you feel more present, calm, and connected to the present moment. Happy practicing!