Mindfulness has become a buzz word in modern conversation. While there are many definitions of mindfulness, a simple one is “maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens.” Mindfulness is available to us in every moment, not just the special ones. We just have to tune into it throughout the day. Practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment can help you make the most of your time and energy, as well as reduce stress and boost confidence. Here’s how.
Calm the waterfall of thoughts
The thoughts that flow through our minds every day can be like the rush of a waterfall. Even though we are trying to focus on one task, our mind jumps from thought to thought. We think about a disagreement we had with a friend last week, an unexpected bill we have to pay, or what we’re going to eat for dinner. Whether our thoughts consist of ruminating about the past or worrying about the future, our mind is feeling stressed. But if you take a moment to become aware of the present moment, you would realize that there are no current stressors. Right here, right now, it’s likely that our needs are being met, our health is manageable, and we can meet the challenges we face. Instead of being swept away by the waterfall, we can learn to watch it from a distance. Mindfulness provides distance from our thoughts and allows us to feel calm and at ease.
Stay present, increase your productivity
Allowing our mind to wander to thoughts about the past or future not only causes stress and other negative feelings but also distracts us from the work we need to get done. We may be thinking about the emails we need to respond to, the paper we need to read, and the phone call we need to make, all while trying to work on a completely unrelated project. Mindfulness jumps in the way of all these distractions of the mind and says “Come back to the present moment, get what needs to be done, done!” By staying grounded in the present, mindfulness prevents you from feeling overwhelmed by all the items on your to-do list and increases your productivity.
A mind in the now promotes confidence and creativity
Going through each day on autopilot creates a barrier that stifles your confidence and creativity. We are constantly focusing on “what’s next” or what happened in the past, which leads to little awareness about what we need in the now. When we practice mindfulness, our attention is focused on what we’re experiencing in the present moment instead of casting harsh judgments about ourselves or comparing ourselves with others. If these types of thoughts do arise, we can simply note it and move on, rather than dwelling on them. When we become mindful of our thoughts and feelings, we build awareness and can slowly start trusting what our brain and body really need. Ultimately, this promotes confidence and clears room for new creative thoughts and ideas.
Mindfulness: A pillar of wellness
These are just a few of the many benefits that can be gained from practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment. At Nollapelli, our mantra is about finding the right balance to achieve overall wellness (which is why we designed our holistic luxury fabric blend) and we believe mindfulness is truly a pillar of wellness. The best part about mindfulness is that it does not require much time or energy. Short pauses throughout the day to return to the present moment can be very effective. Why not give it a try right now? After reading this post, take a moment to notice how you feel with all of your senses. Notice what you see, hear, feel, smell, etc. Just observe the present moment as it is. We’re sure you’re noticing the calming effects of mindfulness already!
