We all have those moments, where your mind races at 100mph- replaying that awkward conversation you had with the cashier, stressing over an unnecessarily long to-do list and feeling the full weight of the Sunday Scaries. It’s exhausting, right?

In our fast-paced world, we rarely find the time to slow down and genuinely live in the present. I used to struggle with falling victim to my thoughts, always stuck in the past or worrying about the future. But once I began encorporating mindfulness into my life, I felt calmer, more in control and in tune with myself- and you can too. 

If you’re looking for an easy way to feel more present, peaceful and truly glow from within, keep reading.

WHAT ACTUALLY IS MINDFULNESS?

Mindfulness has been overcomplicated, it doesn’t have to involve meditating for hours upon end nor does it require you to to learn a variety of complex yoga poses.

Sometimes it is easier to define something by saying what it is not.

Mindfulness is not ‘mindlessness’, a state of unawareness where you go through life with no regard for your surroundings or feelings.

Mindfulness simply means living in the present moment, observing your life as it is happening. This isn’t just the exciting, fun parts. You can approach even the simplest of moments with openness and a sense of curiosity, as if you are seeing them for the first time. 

PRACTICING MINDFULNESS:

We all live busy lives, but take a few moments out of your day to connect to yourself and your enviroment as science has shown that mindfulness practices have many positive benefits, such as improving mental and physical health, improves memory and reduces negative body image. The best part? This can be done anytime and anywhere.

Below i’ll share some of my favourite, simple ways to prevent yourself from getting swept away in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a few moments of well deserved self-care.

1. APPRECIATING YOUR MORNING TEA/ COFFEE

In the morning, instead of mindlessly guzzling down your coffee just to get some caffine in your system, take a moment to appreciate it. Take time to admire the scent, the flavour, the taste, how the cup soothingly warms your hands. 

Turning your phone off until you finish your drink, will let you enjoy each sip without being distracted. Even if your mind wanders, (which it will at first) carefully refocus on the drinking experience, letting go of any thoughts that arise while you remain present. 

This simple habit can help you start your day feeling grounded and appreciative- carrying this awareness forwards into your day.

2. SENSORY AWARENESS WALK

Walking with awareness of your five senses is a simple yet powerful way to practice mindfulness whilst nourishing your physical body. Next time you talk a walk, engage your senses:

Notice what you can see, whether its, clouds, trees or colours.

What can you smell or taste? is the air earthy, floral? 

Listen for sounds, is it busy and you hear voices, animals or is it quiet and you can only hear the sounds of your footsteps. 

Touch plays a part too, how do your feet feel on the ground? Are you stepping on crunchy leaves, or is it slightly slippy from rainfall?

By focusing on these sensations, you direct your mind to the present, savouring these moments and blocking out unwanted thoughts. Remember, this doesn’t have to be a long hike, you can do this whenever possible, on the way to work, walking the dog, or even a quick walk around the block. 

3. MINI MEDITATION: 

When people think of meditation, they often imagine sitting cross-legged in silence for hours—but it doesn’t have to be that intense. Meditation can be as simple as closing your eyes for a few moments and focusing on your breathing.

If you’re new to meditation, try this one-minute breathing exercise:

1. Find a quiet place (or just sit comfortably wherever you are).

2. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, holding it for a moment.

3. Slowly exhale through your mouth, releasing any tension.

4. Focus on the feeling of your breath moving in and out. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath.

5. Repeat for a minute or longer, until you feel a sense of calm.

Meditation isn’t about “clearing your mind” completely—it’s about observing your thoughts without getting caught up in them. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to create moments of stillness in your day.

You can also use guided meditations if you struggle to focus, apps like Headspace are great. There are also thousands of short videos on YouTube, I recommed the channel Great Meditation.

OVERALL:

In a world that moves at lightning speed, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush—constantly thinking about what’s next instead of appreciating what’s now. But slowing down isn’t about doing less, it’s about being more present in everyday moments.

Slowing down isn’t just a luxury, it’s an art—and one worth mastering.

✨ Which mindfulness habit will you try first? Let me know in the comments!