 As you probably know, there is a movement that encourages people to be more mindful in life. I would see the books and articles and podcasts and breezily think, “how nice” as I continued with my fast pace. I didn’t want to slow down. I liked moving and getting things done and accomplishing things. It felt so satisfying. Until I realized I was feeding my anxiety because I was doing too much at the same time. I was having a hard time relaxing and calming the rush of thoughts swarming in my mind. So, I took a closer look at what it means to be mindful. Please know I’m not an expert on the topic – far from it. But what I have learned is the importance of single tasking and focusing wholly on the task. It has been incredibly hard. At first, I hated it. And I still struggle. I’d wash grapes. I’d focus on how plump they feel in my fingers, and the fresh smell they produced, and the chilly water on my hands, and the soft thumping sound the fruit made as they moved around the bowl. And then I’d want to go insane. Seriously. Why just wash grapes when I can wash grapes while listening to a podcast AND the timer for the muffins baking in the oven? Oh, and text a conversation on my phone with my friend Caity. But I didn’t give up. And while I still do this mindful thing (in my opinion) imperfectly, the point is I’m doing it. And I’m starting to reap the benefits. The pace of my thoughts have become a more manageable beat. And I’m starting to believe that time isn’t always rushing. I’m not by any means slowing down time, but I’m slowing down my perception of it. And it’s done so much for calming my mind, taking a deep breath, and keeping any anxiety I feel at a more manageable level.  Are you successful at being mindful?
Do you have any tips you can share?
36 Comments
I recently read about mindfulness in a book and it honestly made me realize that my mind is always racing with a million thoughts. It definitely doesn't help with my anxiety. I'm learning how to take it day by day and task by task instead of overwhelming myself with a bunch of nonsense. 9/12/2019 12:49:13 pm
You are right - just breaking it down to "task by task" is super helpful! (And I can even find that challenging!) Thanks for your comment :) 9/12/2019 12:50:04 pm
I didn't realize there were exercises to try. Awesome! I need to look into that....Thanks! 9/12/2019 12:51:22 pm
I agree! I feel that way too. I'm trying to remind myself that I in the long run, I will be better for it. But it's HARD! 9/13/2019 09:22:53 am
I struggle with this too and need to pull myself back to what I'm doing tons of times a day. Thankfully, living mindfully is getting a little easier every day. 9/13/2019 09:54:29 am
Thanks for commenting! I'm glad I'm not the only one that has to pull myself back. And you are right! It does slowly get easier!
Kelly Martin
9/13/2019 08:11:51 pm
Mindfulness can be helpful, but you’re right, it can drive you insane sometimes! I think the main thing is to focus on positive thoughts when your mind wanders rather than worrying about things. 9/15/2019 01:20:15 am
Positive thoughts are huge! Thanks for the reminder!!!
Chloé Arnold
9/14/2019 11:06:00 am
I occasionally struggle with this too, so it's nice to read how you manage it! 9/15/2019 03:26:19 am
I guess it's just short term satisfaction, you know? Thanks for commenting :) 9/14/2019 10:00:24 pm
I try being mindful in the morning when everyone is still asleep and at night before going to sleep. I like having that calm sesnation because it’s so relaxing. But during the midday, I have a hard time practicing it as I have so much in my mind. 9/15/2019 03:27:24 am
I agree! Even though mid day is when I should be practicing it too!!! Thanks for commenting! 9/15/2019 11:50:46 am
I luck the discipline of doing one thing at a time, I want to make sure they are all done at a given time. Its good you've made change my way of thinking, I should start doing thongs one by one www.thecozyme.com 9/17/2019 05:11:22 am
My discipline comes and goes as well! I totally understand. Thanks for commenting! 9/17/2019 05:12:13 am
You are so right! When I do manage to single task, I feel really great about it! 9/16/2019 08:13:24 am
There are so much we don't know about in this age and time that is beneficial to our mental health. 9/16/2019 09:24:46 am
Okay, this is so funny but true. I love your experience with the grapes! 9/17/2019 05:14:06 am
Wow! Thanks for your encouragement. That is really inspirational and helpful! Thanks for taking the time to comment! 9/16/2019 09:32:02 am
Reading your post so much reminded me of my state of mind couple of months back. I was stressing myself trying to do it all together handling the three professions I am into. Till I decided to dedicate time to each of them avoiding multitasking at the same time. Nice read. 9/17/2019 05:14:50 am
Thanks! I'm glad to hear you've been successful with it. I'll keep working on it too! 9/17/2019 05:15:42 am
Thanks! And I still fall into old comfortable patterns...especially NETFLIX! ha ha! Thanks for your comment. 9/17/2019 06:18:42 am
If I don't practice mindfulness, I get easily overwhelmed and I panic because I literally have a thousand things going on and blog ideas, plus I still have to take time for friends, be a wife, and have a life. I force myself to slow down and do one thing at a time, giving that specific task my all. I also focus on organization, writing things down so I don't forget and setting a schedule. All of that combined means that I can usually handle it. But without serious mindfulness, I couldn't do it. I would just have a meltdown. 9/17/2019 08:13:52 am
Thank you for sharing this! I have horrible anxiety but never thought of trying this technique. And, I hope that you are finding relief. 9/19/2019 09:38:40 am
Aw Sara! I'm sorry to hear this. I hope you will find comfort in other posts about anxiety I've written. You are not alone! 9/19/2019 09:39:24 am
Angie - you are SO RIGHT. It's about accepting our limitations. I hadn't looked at it that way! 9/18/2019 06:54:32 am
I've been feeling so much anxiety lately and i think it's because I multitask too much and put so much pressure on myself. This was a great reminder to not constantly do this! 9/19/2019 09:39:59 am
Thanks! I think a lot of us are in the same boat together! :) Thanks for the comment! Leave a Reply. |
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