Improving Your Health and Happiness Through Mindfulness
How Mindfulness Can Improve Quality of Life
The vast majority of us go through life running on a never ending treadmill with little notice to the small joys of life. We awaken, rush through breakfast to get to work/school, power through lunch, rush home to dinner and then veg-out in front of the TV only to awake and start again. While many think this is an ends to goal; car, house, vacation, it is really and ends to your health and happiness. The key to getting the most out of your life and health is to look for and enjoy the little moments in life, you need to improve your mindfulness.What is Mindfulness?
In simplest terms, Mindfulness is making yourself aware and enjoying the little pleasure in life.
Think about these quotes: “ Stop and smell the roses” ,“The journey is half the fun” and “Change is the spice of life”
These sayings, that we all know, are trying to get us to enjoy the moment we are in and not just rush onto the goal. What are some of the little pleasures that we commonly miss during the day; the smell of coffee, seeing a friend or co-worker, seeing a sunrise or sunset, the joy of a hot shower, the exhausting of a good workout, a kiss from a loved one, a smile from a new encounter, etc. This list of little joys we can focus on daily is nearly endless if we just slow down and pay attentions.
Long term goals like a care, vacation or home are admirable but they take time and achieving them often causes stress. Mindfulness allows us to enjoy the simple, free and stressless moments every day, multiple times a day leading to a much happier and healthier life.
Here are some ideas for improving your mindfulness, happiness and health:
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Taste and chew your food .. enjoy the sensation and tastes – if your food doesn’t allow for this it is a good sign you are buying poor quality food, buy yourself some healthier and natural food and enjoy
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Smile at people and notice how your improve their day
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Go outside and feel the sun, take a deep breath and enjoy nature
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Go to the shore and feel the wind and hear the ocean
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Take hot shower and feel the heat relax your muscles
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Have a real conversation with someone
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Electronic devices are poor substitutions for true mindfulness encounters. Mindfulness is best achieve through nature and personal contacts.
Mindfulness can come from focusing on any of our five sensations; sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. It can also come from focusing on positive emotions like caring, loving, and pleasure. The key is to slow down enough to truly enjoy the event.