As contemporary business woman, we can easily get caught up in undertaking things on autopilot, no matter it is in our personal or professional life. What can we do to live more in the present? In fact, there are a few simple things that help us to appreciate the present.
Reduce the pace
The hustle and bustle of everyday life makes us feel that we are always having a race against time. As a consequence, we tend to do everything as quickly as possible without really taking a moment to thinking it through upfront. The next time you take on any activity, even the smallest ones, try to adopt a slower pace. This enables you to enjoy the process itself. You will be amazed to find out that in many cases it does not take much longer time than if you do it fast.
Limit your online hours
Although our mobile devices bring us a lot of benefits, frequent use and even an overdependence on it can disturb our lives enormously. They hinder us from standing still at the things we are undergoing. Think for example about how disturbing it is when you are constantly on you phone at a friends reunion or how the quality of a little walk in the nature can get affected by you being constantly focused on that little digital screen. Try to put away your smartphone or tablet away more often, instead of holding it in your hand all the time. Unplug yourself from all electronics and allow yourself to truly experience all that is happening in this very moment.
Reflect on the day
Before you know another day has passed. This is why I always take a few minutes to replay my day in my mind and go through the major learnings of the day, irrespective of whether they are positive or negative. This goes hand in hand with my habit of keeping a “one line a day: a five year memory book”. Writing it down makes me be more aware of the happenings at the present moment. Also, it is a great way to close my workday in a relaxed way.
Enjoy moments of silence
Many of us feel uncomfortable with silence and prefers to eliminate moments of silence as much as possible. Try to embrace these moments instead and use them as great opportunities to reflect and come closer to your inner self. They will make you feel alive than never before.
Focus on the now
We often caught ourselves being stuck in the past or imagining about the future. The present, right now, is the only thing you have control over and that truly matters. Irrespective what the past was, you can not undo the things that already happened. So why not take them as lessons to make the best out of the present? As with the future, try to focus on making the best out for the present and you will see that the future will find its way.
Wake up gratefully
How you wake up sets the scene for the rest of the day. Wake up gratefully, be aware of your own self. I love opening the curtains and feel the opportunities coming through the window my way. Feel this bright new day. Feel it right here, right now. By being grateful and focusing on the positive things, we will not be dragged that much by setbacks and can stay clear-headed to make the best out of the present moment.
Check in with yourself and feel your feelings
Try to consciously and purposefully check in with yourself. Make it a habit to do it at least twice a day (morning and night). What you are feeling at this particular moment brings you closer and more aware of the now. Observe your raw feelings and try not to judge whether they are good or bad.
What do you do yourself to stay in the moment? I’d love to hear from you.
Until next time!
Love always,
Mee-Ling
