Be Mindful and Keep Your Mind Clear and Focused

Mindfulness has become a mainstream practice over recent years.

You may be surprised to learn that this mental technique is actually thousands of years old and is an effective, contemplative practice that has its roots in the Buddhist religion. Today it has been adapted for non-religious use and is used by professional athletes, in hospitals, schools, corporations and board rooms, and beyond.

The effectiveness of the practice is supported by science for a number of reasons. When practiced regularly it can both improve your health and transform your brain and thinking patterns.

In the digital world we live in, with the constant stream of information we are exposed to, our minds are constantly distracted. The practice of mindfulness supports your ability to remain focused on the task at hand.

When you practice mindfulness you invite calm into your life, making you more effective, helping you to manage stress, and ultimately improving your ability to focus and perform.

There are a number of different ways to practice mindfulness, but the most common method is meditation. You can also apply mindfulness to working, walking and even eating.  Although challenging, it is a simple discipline that allows you to regain control of your mind’s impulses.

Practicing Mindfulness

Breathing
Breathing is a powerful indicator of your state of mind, but more importantly, it’s a helpful modulator. When you are in the middle of a busy day, take a moment to tune into your breathing. Allow yourself to feel three to five breaths as you inhale and exhale and your breath moves throughout your body.

You can trigger your body’s relaxation response by slowing the exhalation process down. This extension of your breath sends messages to your body’s parasympathetic nervous system to create a sense of calm, relaxation, and clarity.

Observe Surroundings
You can disconnect from the activity of your day by using the external to tune into your senses. See the space you are in and how your body feels, listen to the sounds around you,  be aware of the smells, and even the temperature and how the air feels against your skin. How does this help? It provides your brain with a mini-break from the stressful cycle of thinking.

Conscious Use of Technology
If you sit at a computer all day, you know how easy it is to just slump into your chair and shallow breathe your way through the entire day. But it is possible to use technology with a sense of consciousness. Pay attention to your breath and posture. When you unconsciously suspend breathing while you read and write emails, you are creating stress.

Irregular breathing causes your body to become off balance. It’s extremely important that you check in regularly with your body while you work, and breathe properly and effectively.

Simplify
Be mindful by simplifying your daily to-do list. Focus on the three most important tasks of your day. You should divide your work into small blocks of full focus in order to increase efficiency, and allow yourself a short break in-between each block of time.

Mindful Lunching
Instead of eating while you check your phone or while you sit at your desk still working, practice mindfulness as you have your lunch. What does that look like? You should actually notice the food that you’re eating, taste it intentionally, take in the smell, the sight, and the texture of the different foods on your plate.

Pay attention to your chewing and indulge yourself in the whole process. This provides your mind with a rest from the stress of the day, and gives you some much-needed revitalization.

So, you can see there are all different ways available for you to practice mindfulness, but the result of all of them is to clear your mind and increase your focus.