When was the last time you stopped to smell the flowers? When was the last time you had a conversation with someone without your cell phone in your hand? Let’s talk about three things you can do today, that will help you be more present in the moment.
1. Start savoring.
These days we do everything quickly. We move fast. We drive fast. We work fast. We eat fast. It’s time we slow some of that down. Let’s start with the “eating fast” part. Savoring your food is important for a lot of reasons:
- Slowing down gives your brain enough time to tell your stomach when you’re full (which will inevitably lead to you eating less).
- It helps you appreciate your food and the blending of flavors. Cooking is an artform and we have a tendency of forgetting that.
- It gives us time to be in the moment. Eating is often a social activity. When you savor your food, you can enjoy the whole experience, including spending time with your loved ones.
2. Shower mindfully.
Okay, this sounds a little weird, but hear me out. On average, we shower for about fifteen to twenty minutes a day. We don’t even have to think about what we need to do. It’s a reflex. A habit. Lather, rinse, repeat. Lather, rinse, repeat. Since we don’t have to think about it, our minds wander to,
“What am I doing today?”
“I’m so worried about…”
“I’m so anxious about…”
Instead, take those fifteen or twenty minutes and think about what you’re doing instead. Smell the soap. Play with the bubbles. Or, you can use this time to meditate instead of zoning out or worrying about your day. Speaking of meditation…
3. Write thank you notes.
When I was young, my parents made sure I knew the importance of writing thank-you notes. It makes you stop and think about the people who are important in your life. Also, it emphasizes gratitude, thoughtfulness, and being present in the moment.