How to Practice Mindfulness Every Day

If you’re like most people, then you probably have your routine down. You get up, get ready for whatever your day holds and then you move through the same basic steps. You do this same routine so often that it’s easy to go through your days half-asleep and barely aware. But, it’s important to practice mindfulness in your life, even if you do the same things every day. Studies have shown that people who practice mindfulness are substantially happier than those who don’t, but how do you start making mindfulness a priority in your life? Here are a few ways you can practice mindfulness in your day-to-day life:

#1. Pay attention to what you’re doing, even in mundane tasks.

Have you ever arrived at work, and then it dawned on you that you had no recollection of getting into the car or driving? Don’t go through life on autopilot. Even if what you’re doing is mundane, like brushing your teeth, getting dressed or commuting to work, be present and in the moment. Pay attention to how the world around you looks, tastes, smells, sounds and feels.

#2. Start your day by setting an intention.

Practicing mindfulness starts in the morning, right when you wake up. Upon waking, how do you feel? Are you feeling alert, tired, sore or relaxed? Give yourself a few minutes to wake up for the day, instead of slamming the button on your alarm clock and bolting out of bed. Then, set your intentions. What do you want to get out of the day or what do you want to focus on?

#3. Make time for meditation.

While, yes, you can still be mindful if you don’t meditate, the very best way to start becoming a more mindful person is to start meditating. The benefits of meditation are numerous. It can help with everything from boosting your general well-being to reducing stress and improving cognitive function. Meditation helps to reboot both your soul and your brain, and it will help you to remain calm and mindful throughout the day.

#4. Focus on one task at a time.

When you’re going through your day on autopilot, you’re much more likely to fall into the multitasking trap than if you were to go through your day practicing mindfulness. But, unfortunately, multitasking does not save you time or energy. In fact, studies have shown that, when people divide their attention between multiple tasks, it takes 50 percent longer to accomplish each task, and they’re more likely to make errors by a whopping 50 percent as well. Being mindful is about focusing your attention on the task at hand, and it will help you get through it more efficiently and effectively.

To learn more tips for practicing mindfulness in your day-to-day life, stay tuned for our next blog, but one of the best ways to start being more mindful is to start practicing yoga. And, to find the right yoga leggings and attire for your practice, there’s no better place to shop in all of Canada than Yoga Culture. Our apparel is locally and sustainably made. Check out our collections  here!