You’re not the only one who has attempted meditation and found themselves getting restless or having trouble focusing. You are present in the moment and letting go of your baggage while you are in a meditative state.
You don’t allow yourself to get distracted by opinions, memories, or concerns about the future. Sitting cross-legged in a silent space comes to mind when we think about traditional meditation practises. But, there are a lot of us who can get rid of the mental “noise” in our thoughts far more effectively.
Take a walk to relax.
Walking outside in the fresh air is a proven way to improve mood, but it’s also a great opportunity to practise mindfulness. If you catch your thoughts wandering, bring them back to the sound of your footsteps, the sensation of the sun on your skin, or the sound of your breathing. The goal is to refocus your attention and let ideas pass straight through you.
Visit a movie theatre
We allow ourselves the chance to step away from our thoughts while we’re engrossed in the story of a movie, much to the sense of awe we have when we’re in nature. This is particularly true in a movie theatre where we are sequestered from the outside world and compelled to put our phones away. It also enables us to become more self-aware of our tendency to daydream and teaches us how to refocus our thoughts.
Take up a difficult hobby
Developing a new talent, particularly one that tests us, encourages us to be present. When self-critical thoughts surface, it provides an opportunity to refocus our attention. You will transition from your brain’s whirling to the potter’s wheel’s churning when you pay attention to how these judgements make you feel physically, the clay’s texture and temperature, and the sound of the wheel.
Housework shouldn’t be disregarded.
Being present in the now, or the job at hand, is the essence of mindfulness as a whole. Here’s where doing the dishes comes in; its frequently repetitive nature helps us into a contemplative state. When we focus our attention back on the work in front of us and away from distracting thoughts and emotions, routine chores can be accomplished almost as though on auto-pilot.
Set a pen to paper
It’s okay to step away from our thoughts and feelings occasionally, but there are other times when it’s crucial to notice them and give them some thought. It’s simple to begin started by blocking off five minutes of uninterrupted time, whether it is before turning out the lights at night or as you drink your morning coffee. Try a variety of journaling formats until you discover one that suits you the best. There are many different kinds available.
Let nature to make you feel in awe.
That really lifts my spirits. Simply look up at the trees and sky and observe the sunrise to get that feeling. You don’t even need to be in a national park.
Awe is a science of life that transforms our ability to relate to the outside world by inspiring surprise and amazement in us.
The more awed we are, the less stressed we are, the happier we are with life, and the better off we become. Awe can also be evoked by witnessing something amazing or watching a stunning performance.
Improve your drawing abilities.
Hobbies that require us to concentrate on the task at hand, especially artistic ones like arts and crafts, may be immensely soothing and aid in mind-calming. Drawing is a fantastic example because it uses the brain and diverts our focus from other concerns.
