What exactly is “living in the moment?” It sounds so simple in a sentence, but why is it so hard to achieve in everyday life? Living in the moment means you’re living your life consciously; letting go of the past and not waiting for what’s to come but feeling grounded in where your feet are at. To live in the moment is to be present and aware of your emotions, thoughts and feelings in the current moment. It’s so natural to dwell on what has happened and dream about what’s to come. Being aware of the moment you’re in can help you focus on what’s important and reduce anxiety about the future.
Here are some tips to improve a “living in the moment” lifestyle:
Get Rid of Distractions
Electronics take over our daily life. Posting pictures on Instagram or Facebook or watching television quickly gets in the way of what is truly important. Try to stay off electronics for thirty minutes to an hour each day and do something that you feel like is productively helping you live in the moment. Playing outside with your kids, baking or going on a walk are just a few of the endless possibilities.
Pay Attention to the Little Things
It’s the little things in life that mean the most. Take that cliché statement and turn it into your reality by paying attention to feelings or moments during the day that you want to hold onto. Feelings of joy, calmness and more are key emotions to focus on, which creates positive, outward thinking.
Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness or meditation is a great way to take time out of your day to focus on yourself. Taking in the moment without traveling thoughts can ease your mind and help you appreciate where you are. Try listening to a quick meditation podcast or move through a guided meditation in a yoga class.
Random Acts of Kindness
If you thrive from spreading love and happiness, doing some random acts of kindness during the days and weeks will surely lift your spirits and make your day, as well as the people you’re helping. By doing something as simple as complimenting someone or paying it forward in a drive through, you will automatically feel uplifted and love the moment you’re in.
Whether it’s simple or grand, living in the moment is important. Take yourself into consideration when appreciating what life has to offer, and use that to focus on the now.
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