How often do you find yourself lost and thinking about the future or past? Most of us have been in a situation where we are oblivious to the present moment and reliving the past or wondering about what might happen tomorrow.
We live in a world of distractions and tend to worry about the past or future, missing the beautiful moment of now. We constantly worry about the future or past, which makes us miss enjoying and appreciating what we have today. This might lead to anxiety or stress and affect our well-being. So, to be happier and more mindful, we must live in the moment and be grateful for everything we have in life.
Once you become more present, you witness positive changes in every aspect of your life and develop deep connections. Today, we will explore how to live in the present and enjoy all the good things we have now.
Also read: Social Media Addiction: What Is It? How to Overcome It?
Why Is It Important to Live in the Moment?
Living in the present enriches and provides ample benefits. You become aware of your surroundings, mind, and body. Below, we have listed the benefits of living in the moment and how it can help you in different aspects of your life.
- It can help you get rid of tension and overthinking, bringing you to a place where you are not worried about the past or future but just enjoy the present.
- When you are aware of the present moment, you also become aware of your emotions and reactions. You can understand your feelings better, navigate them, and connect better with others.
- It makes you mentally and emotionally stronger, so you are able to focus more and filter out distractions. You can concentrate on the work you are doing and enhance your creativity.
- You can build a deeper connection with yourself as you develop self-esteem, self-acceptance, self-compassion, and self-appreciation.
- Apart from yourself, you also develop more meaningful relationships with people around you. You become empathetic and active, which helps you understand the emotions of others. It ensures mutual acceptance and nurtures stronger bonds.
- When you live in the moment, you learn to distance yourself from negativity and fears. This reduces anxiety and depression.
How to Live in the Present Moment?
Living in the present can be challenging. You need to practice constantly while avoiding all the distractions around you. However, you can hone this skill and have a fulfilling life by incorporating useful tips into your routine. If you are wondering how to live in the present moment, here are some life-changing practices for you:
1. Limit Screen Time
Social media helps us stay connected with the world, but it can also adversely affect us and disrupt our mental health. Every time a notification pops up on our mobile screens, we are compelled to check our phones, which distracts us from the present. We even keep checking our phones while spending time with friends and family or doing some important office work.
We are so occupied with the virtual world that we miss some priceless moments. Social media can greatly influence our minds and lives, so it’s important to get rid of it in a timely manner.
Therefore, it’s crucial to learn to restrict screen time and social media and not let technology take over our peace of mind. Reduce phone usage and take regular breaks from social media to be more aware of what’s happening around us. When we are with other people, we must focus on building connections with them. Experience each moment by trying other useful activities like reading, meditating, taking a walk, etc.
2. Practice Meditation
When we talk about how to live in the moment, it’s impossible not to mention meditation. After all, meditation is the secret to mastering the art of living in the present and becoming aware of our mind and body.
Meditation has the power to transform our connection with ourselves, people we love, and our environment. It improves our concentration and helps us better understand our thoughts and feelings, which is needed to overcome stress and worries about the past and future and be present in the moment.
Start with something simple and basic, like sitting in a quiet and peaceful place with eyes closed and breathing deeply. Let your thoughts come and go; just focus on your breath so you don’t get lost in them. Do this daily for 5-10 minutes. With constant practice, you will be able to focus better and clearer and notice magical changes in your body.
3. Observe Your Surroundings
Another way is to notice your surroundings. It can be nature, kids playing around, family conversations, your room windows, ceiling, lights, rains, etc. Take a break from your work or studies and look around. Observe everything that’s going on. Go to the park, take a walk, or sit silently. Do what makes you happy.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and open them. You will find beauty in everything you see. In fact, try this activity right now and you will notice an amazing difference. Ensure you are connected with your environment no matter how busy your schedule is.
4. Spend Time with Nature
Nature can heal almost everyone and everything. So, spend time with and in nature. Find a park nearby, take a walk every day, immerse yourself in nature, start gardening, go for hikes, sit near a beach, and enjoy the sound and smell of nature.
These activities will bring you closer to yourself, and you will learn to live in the present moment. You might not see significant changes within a day or two, but gradually, you will start connecting with nature and feel the difference.
Also read: How to Stop Overthinking & Negative Thoughts?
5. Try Breathing Exercises
Another powerful anchor to the present is breathing. This simple activity can work like a charm for managing your emotions, living in the present, and improving mental health and overall well-being. Breathing is a powerful exercise to master being in the present moment. It allows you to control your thoughts and avoid future anticipations or bad experiences.
Take deep breaths, focus on the rhythm of every breath, and divert your attention from negative or distracting thoughts. Practice deep breathing every day and you will learn to pay attention to your emotions and body sensations, including the sound of your breath, inhaling and exhaling, and how your body responds to your breath.
Once you master simple breathing, try other breathing exercises and practices to overcome anxiety and stress. You will gradually be able to focus on the present and the task you are doing at that particular moment. This will prevent negative thoughts and give you better control of your mind.
6. Practice Mindfulness
Whether you are studying, eating food, watching television, scrolling your phone, exercising, or breathing, you must be mindful of it. Avoid multitasking, like eating and watching TV or phone, as it can distance yourself from the moment, and you might lose your attention from all the tasks.
Get involved in mindful meditation and activities, which are beneficial for our mind and body, such as running, yoga, dancing, and exercising. Practice any physical movement that makes you feel grounded and centered. This will align your mind and body and you will be able to focus more.
Focus on small things to learn to be more present in the moment. For example, while eating food, pay attention to its taste, smell, and body reaction.
7. Keep a Journal
Journaling is an effective way to improve focus and be attentive. When you give words to your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, you get clarity and perspective. You get explore your inner world, reflect on your life, get better understanding, stay anchored, and express gratitude.
It is also useful for getting rid of stress and ensuring emotional wellness and a healthier mind. Be true to yourself and write down whatever comes to your mind. This is known as free writing or stream-of-consciousness writing.
As you start writing, you will feel a pile of thoughts in your mind. You might not even know where to begin, but keep jotting down every point that pops into your head, and slowly, you will feel your thoughts getting organized.
FAQs- How to be More Present?
When you are truly present in the moment, you are completely engaged with the activity you are doing now. You experience life fully, enjoy all beautiful things, create memories, and find joy in simple things. You also feel a sense of peace as there are no fears or doubts regarding tomorrow or yesterday. You build a deeper and more authentic connection with yourself and others.
As humans, we tend to worry about the past or future. Our minds are cluttered with worries, fears, thoughts, doubts, and whatnot. This develops negative emotions, such as stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Hence, we need to meditate and practice mindfulness to train our minds and stay in the present.
You must divert all your thoughts and attention to the one person and if you mind gets distracted, bring it back to the present. Yes, it can be easier said than done, but with constant meditation and yoga practices, you can master the art of living in the present. Use active listening while talking to others and be involved and curious in everything they say. Ask questions and respond actively.
Staying in the moment while anxious can be tough but take a small step. Try deep breathing and mindfulness exercises that help you connect with the present. You must find peace within to overcome anxiety and worries.
The top recommended tips for being more present are showing gratitude, mindfulness, and focusing on one thing at a time.
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Conclusion
To learn how to live in the moment, take time to see the beauty around you and appreciate every small happiness you have. Be grateful for everything you have and take small steps. Savor each moment rather than fretting about the past or future. Talk to your friends or family members. Seek guidance or start practicing mindfulness and meditation to witness amazing results that will make living in the moment easier.
