We all get a little jaded sometimes and fantasising about what a perfect world would be, is a common practice. We tend to do this at times when we're feeling a little overwhelmed, and struggling to come to terms with the fact that whatever changes we wish to see in our lives, can only be done if we wake up from dreaming and set achievable and measurable goals.
Being apathetic to things in our lives that don't seem to fit in with our values and goals and just doing things for the sake of doing them only repeats and increases frustration and disappointment.
My minimalist hack to avoid that is to be mindful of activities. Being mindful is simply being in the moment giving an activity your full attention. Having an action plan helps, and when I have an agenda of items that I want to accomplish, it's easier for me to set the pace at which I plough away at them, giving each task my full attention and time.
Coffee in the morning
Is a good start to my day, where I can calmly savour every sip with peaceful thoughts. From the selection of the cup, the temperature of the coffee, to the aroma and taste. All these little things have an impact on me because I eat with my eyes.
There's no one fixed schedule to everyone's agenda, of course. However, being present in your current environment is another aspect of mindfulness that can help to reduce anxiety and stress. For example: if there's something stressful in the workplace that you have no immediate control over implementing a change. Then trying to focus your mind away from the problem before getting to work is better for the mind than thinking or talking about the work-problem, even before you get there, or while you are away from there. Personally, this works for me, because if I harp on about the problem, it's like living it twice.
Tending and grooming plants
It doesn't take long to water a plant or herbs or remove dry leaves. This seems simple, but by doing these things mindfully, that same principle is more likely to rub off into our personal lives, in how we nurture ourselves and apply small changes which lead to big ones in our lives.
It doesn't have to be a plant, it's also nice to take care of a pet or allow yourself adequate time to tend to someone incapable of looking after themselves.
When we hear mindfulness, we probably think it's a grand idea that only certain kinds of people engage in. However, it only takes a little conscious effort and has tremendous benefits for our well-being.
A Change in Bedtime and Rising Time
We all seem to be struggling for time and all our activities just don't seem achievable sometimes. A little change in our bedtime and rising time can bring a change in our moods.
Just making time for a breather instead of rushing around can be calming, as we can breathe slowly and deeply, which helps to regulate our energies.
I think Mondays are a good time to be mindful to set the week right, however, applying any of these principles and activities could be useful at any time.
Have a great week:)
PS. This is a contribution to the #MindfulMonday, the daily theme from The Minimalist community.
All images belong to me.