Living in the Present Moment
One of my biggest struggles in terms of mindset is staying connected to the present moment. I often find myself thinking about the “should haves” of the past or the “should bes” and “could bes” of the future. I’m so stuck in my own head that I don’t even enjoy the present. Do you struggle with this, too?
This week, I’m currently on vacation in Lake Tahoe, California. This vacation has been a huge “reset” for me and has reminded me of the importance of the present moment. I’ve had the ability to breathe in the mountain air, spend meaningful time with a friend who I haven’t seen in a while, and enjoy moving my body in ways I normally don’t. It’s been a fantastic reminder of the beauty of life’s daily blessings. My cup of gratitude has been filled to the brim and I feel rejuvenated.
My deepest hope is that I can bring this rejuvenated sense of living in the present moment back to San Diego with me when I return home from vacation. How can I apply this positive, grateful mindset of the present to my daily life? Furthermore, how can I apply this principle to my Life Coaching clients?
Less Screen Time
It is a researched fact that people who spend less time on screens (social media, video games, TV, etc.) are happier, without a single exception. Less screen time = more joy. Each day, make a conscious effort to look at your phone less. Meeting a friend for lunch? Leave your phone in the car. Working on an important project? Put your phone across the room from you. Looking for something to do in the evening? Skip Netflix and instead go for a walk with a friend. Less screen time is bound to keep your focus on the present moment, rather than the distractions of a false reality.
Get Outside
Each day, I challenge you to get outside, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. While you’re outside, be mindful of your surroundings. How does the sun feel as it tingles your skin? What kind of flower is blooming in your neighbor’s yard? Is that cloud in the sky in the shape of Shrek? Go outside, put your attention on the things you’re sensing, and connect with the present.
Connect With Someone Who Brings You Joy
Make an effort to nurture a relationship with someone who brings you joy. Whether that’s getting coffee with a friend, having a Facetime call with your niece, or bantering with your neighbor. Identify the people in your life who bring you joy - friends, family, coworkers, people in your community - and make the intentional choice to connect with at least one of them daily.
Write Your Gratitudes
Journaling your gratitudes is positively impactful to your mental health. Not only does it “trick” your mind into thinking more positively, but it also increases the quality of your sleep and decreases the chances of burnout. Writing your gratitudes will also hardwire your brain to enjoy the present moment more throughout the day, as you are consciously and unconsciously looking for reasons to express gratitude.
Cheers to living in the present moment!
