Listed below are 10 mindfulness practices to bring calm into your day that you can practice anytime, every day.
- Before getting out of bed in the morning, take 60 seconds to calm your mind, focus on your breathing, and set an intention for your day.
- Make brushing your teeth a mini meditation. Try to maintain focus on simply that one task from start to finish. This helps train the mind and nervous system to stay centered and aligned.
- Take frequent tea breaks! Mid-afternoon is a perfect time to take a small screen break, brew up a cup of calming and nourishing herbal tea and check in with your body.
- Turn OFF notifications on your phone if they cause you the least bit of stress or annoyance. Do this when you set to work on a project or a task, or during your meal times.
- Spend time outside. Even just 5 minutes of breathing in the fresh air, taking a short walk during your lunch break and observing nature has a calming effect on our nervous system.
- Enjoy essential oils for extra calming and grounding. Chamomile, lavender or peppermint are wonderful to keep handy in places you spend a lot of time. From in your car to at your desk, reach for a slow, deep inhale for some instant support.
- Enjoy a gentle self-massage. While at your desk, massage your shoulders and neck or anywhere you feel tension in your body. This is a great little practice to pair with your afternoon tea break.
- Practice gratitude journaling. Once or twice per day, take a moment to settle into your body, and write something you’re grateful for that day. This is a great practice around meals or cups of tea.
- Play peaceful music during your workday or while driving. What we hear in the background of our day has an impact on our mental state and how we hold our body.
- If you regularly drive, take a deep breath at every red light. A full breath in through your nose and a longer exhale out through your nose.