6 Ways to Practice Mindfulness
- Apr 9, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Discovering how to live in the moment can profoundly improve your mental well-being. By focusing on the present instead of worrying about the past or future, you can reduce stress, manage emotions, and truly appreciate your life. These simple, effective techniques can easily fit into your daily routine and help you find peace and clarity.
What is the most common way to practice mindfulness?
The most common way to practice mindfulness is through meditation. It's an easy practice to start, requiring just five minutes of your day to help you become more aware of your thoughts and grounded in your body.
We have even more to share on how mindfulness can transform your daily life. Keep reading to explore a variety of easy, effective practices you can start today, whether you're physically active or prefer quiet reflection.
Mindfulness is a practice that keeps you focused on the here and now. There are many ways you can incorporate mindfulness into your daily life instead of worrying about the past or the future. Practicing mindfulness is easier than you might think and can be included in your daily schedule. There are multiple ways to practice mindfulness.
It is important to find out what way works best for you.
Are you a physically active person, or do you enjoy relaxation? Finding out what the best fit is for your lifestyle can be incredibly beneficial for your recovery.
Getting Start?
If you struggle with staying present, mindfulness might be a great practice for you. Mindfulness is a
practice that focuses on staying in the moment instead of worrying about the future or events from the past. It also helps you become more attuned to your emotions, catching them before they get out of hand.
Mindfulness can also reduce stress by focusing on your breath and catching where in your body you might be carrying stress. This practice also allows you to enjoy life. Some people are constantly on the go, never taking a break to slow down and take in the world. It also allows you to be fully attuned to everything around you and experience the moment. There are many easy ways to practice mindfulness that you can try out today.
1. Set Your Intentions for the Day
Having a plan for your day can be a great way to alleviate stress. Setting your intentions for the day can mean more than one thing. It can mean setting goals for the day, such as what work you plan to get done, or things you plan to get off of your to-do list.
It can also mean setting an intention such as “I will be brave today,” or “Today will be productive.” Setting an intention for your day in the morning can help you stay focused and motivated. It is a great way to start your day because having a goal in mind can leave you feeling confident.
2. Physical Ways to Practice Mindfulness: Try Yoga and Tai Chi
If you enjoy moving your body, physical exercises that focus on body position and breathwork can be a great way to keep you engaged in mindfulness. Yoga and Tai Chi are great ways to practice mindfulness while moving your body.
They allow you to get out of your head and focus on breathwork and movement. These exercises can be a great way to start your morning or a relaxing way to wind down at the end of a long day.
3. Take a Break With Meditation
Mindfulness is often thought about in terms of meditation. This is the most common way to practice mindfulness because meditations are easy practices to pick up. To practice meditation, you only need to take five minutes of your day. Some exercises are guided, while others can be done solo to relaxing music.
Meditation can help you be aware of your thoughts as they are passing, as well as feeling your body in the moment. It gives you a chance to slow down and breathe before continuing on with the day.
It can be common to not pay attention to the food you are eating and how fast you are eating it. Mindful eating asks you to focus on each bite and savor it. Take a moment to really enjoy your food. Notice the taste, the texture, all of the ingredients. Think about where the food came from, how it was made, all of the work that was put into it.
If you are eating salad greens, think about where the plant came from, how it grew, who picked it, who delivered it, and the effort you made to turn it into a meal. Mindful eating causes you to slow down your consumption, which helps your metabolism and prevents indigestion. Next time you eat a meal, turn off the T.V. or your phone and focus on your meal instead.
5. Check-In With Your Body
Your emotions are held in your body. When you are stressed, angry, or upset, your body feels tense. When you are sad, your body feels fatigued. When you are happy, your body feels energized. Take a moment out of your day to check how your body is feeling and what that is telling you. If your body feels tense, ask yourself why that might be and how you can feel better.
After some practice, you should be able to feel your emotions in your body. This can be especially useful in situations where you might otherwise emotionally explode. For example, with some practice, you will be able to tell when you are starting to feel angry before it becomes too intense, or you might be able to tell when you are sad and in need of care.
6. Count the Five Senses
Sometimes, emotions can become overwhelming. You might find yourself in a situation where you need to ground yourself.
A great exercise to practice is the five senses exercise. This exercise can help you get out of your head, which is especially important if you are feeling anxious or experiencing PTSD symptoms.
First, start by naming five things you see.
Then name four things you can touch.
Next, name three things you can hear.
After that, name two things you can smell.
Finally, name one thing you can taste.
This exercise can help you focus on the present moment instead of the thing that is triggering your anxiety or your PTSD.
Practicing Mindfulness Daily
Mindfulness is a great practice to incorporate into your life. Mindfulness can relieve stress and lower the severity of anxiety and PTSD symptoms. Mindfulness allows you to be aware of the world around you.
It is important to take the time to slow down and enjoy things. This is especially true if you lead a busy life. Luckily, mindfulness can be practiced for even as little as five minutes and still have an enormous positive impact on your mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions:
• What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a practice that helps you stay focused on the present moment instead of worrying about the past or future. It also helps you become more attuned to your emotions and reduce stress.
• How can I practice physical mindfulness?
Physical exercises like yoga and Tai Chi are great ways to practice mindfulness. They help you get out of your head by focusing on your body's movements and your breath.
• What is mindful eating?
Mindful eating is a practice where you focus on each bite of your food. You pay attention to the taste, texture, and ingredients, which helps you slow down and enjoy your meal.
• How can I check in with my body?
Take a moment to notice how your body feels. Your emotions are often held in your body, and by checking in, you can learn to recognize when you are feeling tense, fatigued, or energized.
• What is the 'five senses' exercise?
The 'five senses' exercise is a grounding technique. You name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste to help yourself focus on the present moment.
Here at Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center, we understand that true recovery is a journey. The mindfulness practices you've been reading about are not just exercises; they are essential tools for managing emotions, reducing stress, and reclaiming a sense of presence in your life. We believe in providing a comprehensive and supportive environment where you can learn to apply these tools and many others to your personal path to healing. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you build a life you love, one grounded in peace and resilience. If you or a loved one are ready to take this important step, we are here to walk with you. Give us a call at (435) 222-5225 and let us partner with you on the road to a healthier future.
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About The Author
Zachary Wise is a Recovery Specialist at Chateau Health and Wellness
Where he helps individuals navigate the challenges of mental health and addiction recovery. With firsthand experience overcoming trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, Zach combines over 8 years of professional expertise with personal insight to support lasting healing.
Since 2017, Zach has played a pivotal role at Chateau, working in case management, staff training, and program development.
Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.
Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
