Join me on a journey towards a simple, sustainable and meaningful life. Throughout November we will be exploring each category of the A-Z guide to a simple, sustainable and meaningful life. Today we’re looking at M… Mindful.

This guide has been written from the point of view of someone living with chronic illness but the topics and concepts discussed are relevant to everyone and anyone.

M is for Mindful

Throughout my life I have always feel my best when I’m able to slow down and really be in the moment. Being mindful, and making conscious decisions, is a great way of reducing stress. You are trying to live in the moment, not dwelling on past mistakes or future worries.

There are many parts to a mindful lifestyle and you don’t need to do all of them.

Here are several ways I aim to bring mindfulness into my life:

• Do not multitask. Focus on a single task at a time. If you’re watching tv, just watch tv. If you’re eating, just eat (not always possible when you’re with others but try). If you’re working, just work.
• Meditation. Specific time set aside for mindfully focusing on my breathing. Breathing techniques are great for helping to cope with pain and to quiet a stressed out mind.
• Be mindful of what I buy and what I eat.

There are many examples of mindfulness exercises you can try at home, check out some here.

Your homework today is to try one of the mindfulness exercises in the link above.