We live in a world that’s filled with noise. Our days are packed with tasks and packaged as “productivity”. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be more productive, but when we’re mindlessly floating from one task to the next, it can leave us feeling like we’re operating on autopilot.
There are endless reasons why people learn to be present. Whether you’ve found yourself becoming more irritable or find yourself mentally exhausted at the end of the day, cultivating a practice that allows you to stay in the present moment may even help you achieve your goals. Headspace co-founder and former Buddhist monk Andy Puddicombe said it best:
“When you understand how to live more in the moment, you can maximize your results for any given pursuit by using mental stamina versus purely physical. It’s all about how we show up, which is where the practice of presence comes in.”
Having said that, here are a few ways to help you stay present and live in the moment.
Mindful eating
How many times have you found yourself sitting in front of your computer while eating your lunch? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Mindful eating is all about taking the time to savour the nutritious goodness that comes with eating your meal without distractions. This will help you to slow down, enjoy the moment and your food. It also nurtures a practice of appreciating the little things, which will seep into your daily life.
A digital detox
We’ve heard it before, spending too much time engaging with the digital world can be harmful to our mental health. When our days are spent constantly checking notifications and scrolling through Instagram, it can be difficult to stay present. Take a few moments each day to put your screens away and turn off your volume, allowing you to bring more focus to the present. Pay special attention to your breath and how you’re feeling.
Take deep breaths and do a body scan
Taking a moment to mentally scan your body and how it’s feeling can help bring awareness to every sensation in your body. By breathing into how your body is feeling, you can alleviate feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. It’s also a great way to get into the present moment and is something you can do anywhere.
Focus on one task
Multitasking is a great skill to have, especially when doing the juggling act at home and work. However, focusing on more than one task at a time can decrease the time and attention that each of your tasks deserves. It can also leave you feeling overwhelmed and frazzled. Instead of watching a series on Netflix while checking your phone and completing a report, try to give your full attention to one task. Not only will it do wonders for your productivity, but it will also allow you to improve your desire to stay in the moment.
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