Living in the Now is a practice that can be very beneficial for your well-being and mental health. It helps you avoid anxiety and stress caused by thinking too much about the past or future.
One of the most effective ways to live in the moment is by focusing on your breathing and spending time with your tribe! These tips can help you do just that and improve your overall happiness level!
1. Practice meditation
Practicing meditation can give you many benefits, including mental clarity, emotional stability, stress reduction, physical relaxation and inner peace. It’s also a great way to build resilience and help you connect with your inner strength.
However, meditation isn’t always easy, especially when you’re new to it. As with anything, it takes time to develop a healthy habit. During your first few sessions, you might feel frustrated and angry.
2. Focus on your breathing
Practicing mindfulness of your breathing is one of the most effective ways to stay grounded in the present. It also has a powerful effect on ruminative thinking, a common characteristic of anxiety and depression.
Begin by taking a few minutes every day to sit down and focus on your breathing. You can do this in any quiet space.
You don’t have to count your breaths, just follow the sensation of them in and out of your nostrils. You can also try focusing on the rise and fall of your chest, belly or shoulders while you breathe.
3. Spend time with your tribe
A tribe can be a collection of friends who care about you, who are a source of support and who can help you grow. Having a tribe is something that many people overlook, but it’s a crucial part of life and can help you live your best life.
One of the easiest ways to find a tribe is by joining groups that you’re interested in. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, poetry or creative writing, joining a group can be an easy way to meet new people who share your values.
But you have to make sure that you’re putting in the effort to cultivate your connections with these people. If you’re not bringing anything to the table, your tribe may see that as a red flag and eventually pull away from you.
4. Take a moment to notice your surroundings
Taking a moment to notice your surroundings is a great way to practice Living in the Now. It can be as simple as stopping to enjoy the scenery on your way to work, or noticing the birds chirping overhead while you take in the view of your neighborhood.
Not only can you experience the best possible present moment, but if you make it a habit, you’ll be more likely to appreciate everything around you. You might even find that you feel more grateful for the little things in life, like a cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset. Try to get into the habit of noticing your surroundings throughout the day and recording what you notice in a notebook or bullet journal. This will help you to stay focused and keep your mind off of the more mundane tasks that can often take your attention away from the things that matter most.
5. Take a break
Taking a break from your relationship can help both partners work through issues that are holding them back and find clarity about how they feel. It can also give them time to reflect on whether they want to move forward with their current relationship or look for a new one.
When you decide to take a break, make sure it’s mutually agreed upon and well-planned. That means discussing why you’re taking a break and what you hope to accomplish during the break.
You should also set checkpoints for the break, which allows you and your partner to touch base and reflect on progress. That way, you know that you’re still on the same page and that you’re committed to working on the problems that brought you to your break.