5 Mindfulness Practices to Be More Present (& Calmer Too)

Almost 6 years ago, I found myself exhausted and overwhelmed with daily life. I was a mother of two young kids who snapped multiple times a day at my family. I loved my kids, but I also felt that I was missing something essential in the life I was living. Why was I always flying off the handle?!

I wanted to feel calm. And at peace. So, I started researching. The more I searched, the more I came across meditation and mindfulness. It seemed like the perfect fit. The following practices have all helped me ditch the anger and live a completely different life. I hope they help you too!

1. Try Movement

Many exercises like Yoga and Ti Chi purposefully incorporate movement and mindfulness. Nature walks alone will help you step into the present. And even an intense workout can get you out of your head and into your body and breath. Movement has become my go-to when anxiety and rumination take flight.

2. Read Meditation Books

Knowledge is an essential part of understanding where to find joy and peace. Many books and articles can give you practice tips on how to pause and appreciate. It’s not information you can easily find somewhere else. For an amazing list, check out these mindfulness books great for beginners meditation too.

3. Try a Mindfulness App

The Headspace meditation app saved my life when my kids were young. I’ve used it since finding mindfulness six years ago. Calm is another fantastic app to help you use meditation mindfulness in your daily life.

4. Mindful Eating

Next, when was the last time you sat down to a meal and actually tasted every single bite? For most of us, you won’t be able to remember a time you were truly present with your food. Start sitting down with your plate and paying attention. It seems so simple, yet we often forget the value of being present with our mundane tasks.

5. Music

Finally, I recently went to the symphony with my husband and experienced an unexpected dose of mindfulness. I found that when I closed my eyes and listened to the music, it was as calming as any meditation I’ve EVER done. I was stunned at how much the classical music could calm the mind. So, if you’re ever stuck, or need to get out of your head, try a bout of music you don’t normally listen to, and pay attention with your eyes closed.

In Conclusion

I went from a stressed out and exhausted mom to one with a TON more patience and zest for life. I’m much more productive in my work too. I credit ALL of this to the mindfulness practices I’ve listed above. So, why not give one (or all) of them a shot?

I promise, you have nothing to lose.

"The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness. Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing." – Jon Kabatt-Lin

Jenn writes at her blog healthyhappyimpactful.com. She’s a mom of three looking to learn and grow. Check it out if you love helpful tips on health, family, and personal growth.