Hey girls! Today I wanna spill the tea on how I’ve been working on my mental health through mindful moments in my daily grind. You know, life can be a total whirlwind sometimes, and it’s so easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget about taking care of ourselves on the inside.
I used to be that girl who was constantly on the go, running from one task to another, never really stopping to take a breath. I’d wake up in the morning, already feeling stressed about the million things I had to do that day. And by the end of it, I was exhausted both physically and mentally, but still couldn’t seem to relax. It was like I was in this never-ending cycle of hustle and burnout.
But then, I had this moment of realization. I was sitting on my couch one evening, scrolling through social media and seeing all these pictures of people looking happy and put together, and I thought to myself, “What am I doing? I’m so focused on getting things done that I’m not even enjoying my life.” That’s when I decided to make a change and start incorporating more mindful moments into my day.
One of the first things I did was to start my mornings with a few minutes of meditation. I know, I know, it sounds a bit woo-woo, but trust me, it’s been a game-changer. I used to roll my eyes at the idea of sitting still and focusing on my breath, but once I actually gave it a try, I was hooked. I set my alarm a few minutes earlier each morning, and I just sit on my bed, close my eyes, and focus on taking slow, deep breaths. At first, my mind would wander all over the place, thinking about all the things I had to do or replaying conversations from the day before. But with practice, I’ve gotten better at bringing my attention back to my breath whenever my thoughts start to stray. And you know what? It sets such a calm and centered tone for the rest of my day. I feel more patient, less reactive to stressors, and just generally more at peace with myself.
Another mindful moment that I’ve come to cherish is taking a walk outside without my phone. In this day and age, it’s so rare that we actually disconnect from our devices, but it’s so important for our mental health. I’ll put on my sneakers, grab my keys, and just head out the door. I don’t have a set destination in mind, I just let my feet take me wherever they want to go. As I walk, I pay attention to the sounds around me – the birds chirping, the wind rustling through the trees, the sound of my own footsteps on the pavement. I look at the colors of the sky, the flowers blooming in people’s gardens, and the little details of the neighborhood that I usually miss when I’m rushing by with my head down, glued to my phone. It’s like I’m seeing the world with fresh eyes, and it fills me with a sense of wonder and gratitude. And the best part? By the time I get back home, I feel rejuvenated and my mind is clear, ready to tackle whatever the day throws at me.
Eating mindfully has also been a huge part of my journey. I used to scarf down my meals in front of the TV or while scrolling through my phone, barely even tasting what I was eating. But now, I make an effort to sit down at the table, turn off all distractions, and really focus on the food in front of me. I take the time to look at the colors and textures of the meal, smell the aromas, and then take small bites, savoring each mouthful. It’s amazing how much more enjoyable eating can be when you’re actually present and paying attention. And not only that, but it also helps me listen to my body’s hunger and fullness cues better, so I’m not overeating or undereating like I used to.
And let’s not forget about the power of journaling. Oh my gosh, I never thought I’d be the type to keep a journal, but it’s been such a therapeutic outlet for me. At the end of the day, I’ll sit down with a cup of tea and my journal, and I’ll just write down whatever’s on my mind. It could be about something that happened during the day that made me happy, something that frustrated me, or just my random thoughts and feelings. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, and it’s not for anyone else to read. It’s just for me to get all those emotions out of my head and onto the paper. Sometimes I’ll even go back and read my old entries, and it’s crazy to see how far I’ve come and how my perspective has changed over time.
Now, I won’t lie to you girls. Incorporating these mindful moments into my daily life wasn’t always easy. There were days when I was running late in the morning and skipped my meditation, or when I was too tired to go for a walk after work. But the key is to not beat yourself up about it. Mental health is a journey, not a destination, and there will be setbacks along the way. The important thing is to keep coming back to these practices whenever you can, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day.
Since I’ve started focusing on these mindful moments, I’ve noticed such a huge difference in my mental health. I’m less anxious, more in tune with myself, and I actually enjoy my daily life so much more. I no longer feel like I’m just going through the motions, but rather that I’m actively participating in and savoring each moment. And I truly believe that any of you girls can do the same. It doesn’t take a lot of time or effort, just a willingness to be present and take care of yourself.
So, give it a try, ladies! Whether it’s starting your day with a few minutes of meditation, taking a phone-free walk, eating mindfully, or journaling before bed, find what works for you and make it a part of your daily routine. Your mental health is worth it, and you deserve to feel happy and at peace inside. 💖