You’ve likely heard about the concept of mindfulness. But have you ever wondered what it really means? And more importantly – what value it holds in your life? 

Most people automatically think about yoga and meditation when the here the term ‘mindfulness’. While both of these practices are great to help you become a more mindful person, these aren’t the only things that help you do so. 

Following are some activities you can easily incorporate into your daily life to become a little more mindful every day. 

Create Something

One of the best ways to focus on the present moment is to create something, anything. You could draw or paint a piece of art, create some music, practice a new dance form, write a poem or story, anything at all. It doesn’t even have to be good for you to reap the benefits. The important part is to create. 

Whenever you are actively focusing your mind on creating something, you inevitably practice mindfulness – whether you realize it or not. This is because you are almost forced to stay in the moment and focus on what you are doing in the present moment.

Disconnect From Your Phone

One of the biggest things that prevents us from being in the present moment is that little box in your pocket. Spending hours on your phone most likely means that you are spending most of the time on social media. While social media can be a great way of staying in touch with your loved ones – especially those who live on the opposite side of the globe – too much of it can lead to negative side effects. 

Disconnecting from your phone can help you focus on the present moment. You won’t be spending hours scrolling through your feed, envying that classmate from third grade backpacking through Spain. Instead, you will be able spend time with yourself, which will ultimately make you happier in the long run. 

However, it isn’t a good idea to completely turn your phone off, especially if you are the emergency contact of anyone. But trying to keep the use to minimal, for at least certain time every day, will be very helpful. 

Take Deep Breaths

This is one thing you can do literally anywhere, at any time, without needing anything at all. Yet, the benefits of deep breathing are immense. Just practicing diaphragmatic breathing or belly breathing, you instantly start to feel better.

Through this practice, your breath becomes less shallow, which enable you to focus on the present moment. In fact, meditation ultimately builds upon this simple practice. Try taking deep breaths a few times each day to feel calmer and better.

Becoming more mindful requires little effort. Yet, the benefits you can potentially gain from this little practice are immense. So take out a few minutes each day to practice some mindfulness. And soon enough, you notice that you are becoming calmer and happier version of yourself.