If your days are hectic and stressful and you’re looking for some relief, here’s how mindfulness can bring you peace, even on the most overwhelming days…
Some days, I can get a little stressed. I’m sure you can, too. Even if our homes are relaxing havens, once we step out into the wider world, it’s hard not to be a little overwhelmed by everything that is going on.
And I’ll be the first to admit, my home is not a relaxing haven. Shoes scattered on the floor, laundry that needs folding, and sticky counters are a daily thing. Add in the kids’ bickering and my own projects, and home can be as hectic and crazy as anywhere else.
But for all the outside stress we deal with, we don’t necessarily have to internalize it. Even as noise and mess and emotions rise, we don’t have to be swept away with them.
How do we separate ourselves from the stress?
When we allow ourselves to be caught up in the crazy around us, we are giving over control to the situation. This may not feel like a conscious decision, but it is.
It can be hard to keep our own emotions separate. I can’t even watch scary movies because I feel the actors’ fear so acutely, I get lightheaded with it. But taking a step back and allowing things to happen without investing our own emotions into the situation can save us a lot of stress and anxiety.
But how do you do it? For me, it’s about breathing. I practice mindful breathing throughout my day, so that when I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I can take my focus back and place it on my breathing. I can take back control of myself, even if I can’t control what’s going on around me.
[Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see below for more details]
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.
Which sounds great and all, but a little vague for the more practical-minded (like me). I pretty much ignored the whole mindfulness trend for as long as I could because it just sounded a little silly, and definitely not useful to me.
But over the last few years, I’ve been forced to look for physical methods of relaxation because of a stomach issue that worsens with stress. I found that exercise helps, but there is only so much time I can devote to it while tending home and family.
I’ve dabbled with breathing exercises in the past, but this year I really began to focus on them. I was also inspired by the no-nonsense book on meditation written by Dan Harris, called 10% Happier. His practicality made me rethink the benefits of mindfulness in everyday life.
What I like about this practice is that our imperfections in doing it are actually what make us stronger. The harder you try to be mindful, and the more you need to drag your thoughts back to the present, the better you get. It’s a relief to know that my imperfections are actually what make me better in this case.
How to be mindful
So, how do you do it? I try to start first thing in the morning before things get too hectic. But I also have to give myself a minute here and there when life gets too stressful and I need to get my focus and emotions back on track. Experiment and find what works best for you.
Pick a quiet place
Preferably where you are alone. I like to sit by an open window because I find the sound of birds chirping and the wind rustling the leaves relaxing.
Sit comfortably
No need for lotus positions or complicated yoga moves. Just be comfortable and upright (laying down puts me to sleep, so I usually avoid it, except at bedtime).
Focus on your breathing
This is the easiest thing to focus on because it’s a natural process and it requires little extra thought. Rhythmic breathing is also relaxing.
Or you can try to focus on nothing more than the current moment. Then the next, And the next. This can be challenging, but the benefit is that it allows you to stop focusing on stressors and worries that may be taking up a lot of bandwidth in your mind.
Slow your breathing
As you focus on your breathing, it will actually slow down. This can be very calming, and also great if you are feeling upset or out of control.
When I am stressed and overwhelmed with what’s going on around me, I close my eyes and breathe slowly, sometimes only taking three breaths in a minute. This small exercise in control grounds me.
Bring your focus back
Your mind will wander. Over and over again. But every time you drag it back to the present—to that breath, to that bird chirp, to that moment—you are strengthening the muscles of your mind.
Let your emotions and thoughts float by like clouds. (I literally picture them floating away as if a big breeze just pushed them. This is another reason I like meditating in front of an open window.) You can’t get rid of them, but you can lessen their power so that you calm your mind.
Practice makes perfect (sort of)
Perfection isn’t the goal, at least not for a happy amateur like me. But if you want to get better at mindfulness, you have to practice, like anything else.
Practice throughout the day. Focus on your breathing. Keep your thoughts and emotions calm. The more you do this, and the longer you can sit in stillness and focused on the present, the better you will get.
And the better you are, the stronger you will be when you need to deny the pull of hectic days and stressful situations.
Mindfulness isn’t the magic cure for stress, especially because we have to spend our days surrounded by environments and people that cause us to be less than peaceful. But by adding mindfulness and meditation into your toolbox, you have one more way to calm your mind, heart, and body, and bring peace to your most hectic days.
Do you practice mindfulness? How have you found it to help with your stress? What is most difficult? I’d love to hear about your experiences, so let me know in the comments below!
Interested in more on wellness and bringing peace to your day? Check out these posts:
What Happens When You Let Yourself Run on Empty
How Breathing Exercises Can Calm Your Body and Your Mind
[Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and I never recommend anything I haven’t used myself and loved.]
Leave a Reply