How Mindfulness Can Actually Make You Happier
The best way to live mindfulness is simply to integrate the concept of mindfulness into your everyday routine. Mindfulness is the ability to control your mind so you can be creative, innovative and more productive. If you have always lived a stress-free life, it is easy to become obsessive-compulsive. This happens because, to the person, it is easier to control your mind than control your emotions. It is important to consistently learn to pay attention to the parts of the mind that are distracting you from the rest of your mental life. Unfortunately, chronic stress can lead to depression, anxiety and problems with rest, digestion and sleep. Many of us put up with these debilitating symptoms just to get the job done. I have found my best practice for living mindfully involves clearing your mind of the thoughts that are making you anxious, stressed or frustrated. When this occurs regularly, it can eliminate negative thoughts from your life. Although nothing can completely eliminate them, practising mindfulness in daily life can help minimize the effect of stressors and, often, restore equilibrium to your psyche. Not only is learning to be mindful a lifestyle choice, but it can also help you find your happiest self.
Align your external and internal needs
As a professional psychologist with a doctoral degree in counselling psychology, I have seen many patients who are unable to fulfil their most basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter and personal hygiene. It’s easy to let other people’s needs interrupt what really matters to you. When we do this, we begin to neglect what makes us uniquely human. It is important to learn to align our needs with our self-awareness and to let go of what does not help us in our daily lives. Hopefully, you can understand when it is time to focus on what is important to you and to start prioritizing your own needs.
Immerse yourself in fulfilling experiences
Being mindful means consciously and intentionally living your life. As soon as you see a sign that says “5 blocks away,” you could choose to take your thoughts to what you are about to do that day. You should always be intentional about what you can contribute to your community. If you can’t make it physically, you can sure as heck make it mentally. For example, consider a book club, discussion group or music class. Listen to inspiring talks and even better when someone shares their story of adversity. This helps the listener to recognize their worth and what they can achieve. By learning to identify fulfilling experiences, you may be inspired to use these experiences to grow as a person. You can also use your awareness of your current state to prepare for the upcoming event.
Don’t take your own needs for granted
There are just so many things we can do for ourselves, even if it’s not “me” time. Learn how to prioritize yourself in your day and then do things that will help you feel good about yourself. Remember, you are living this moment. You have to make sure you treat it well and with dignity. After all, if you don’t take care of yourself, what is the point of taking care of someone else? Each and every day you have a choice. You can choose to take care of yourself, but also recognize that you may need help if you don’t feel capable. Whatever the case may be, it is important to always be mindful of your circumstances. Instead of giving in to your neuroses and feeling embarrassed that you are struggling, you should instead choose to face your problems. You have already bought yourself the life you deserve by never taking your own needs for granted.