7 Ways to Practice Mindfulness Daily

Do you have a routine to establish intention? Mindfulness is how I'm improving my life.

Not every day can be full of unicorns, rainbows, and glitter, but we do have an input as to how we deal with the stresses of our day.

Surprises can throw me off my unicorn

I feel more energetic when I have something to look forward to. Lately, my weekends have been full of gardening. I just love having dirt under my nails after hours of hard work. On days like these, I’m more open and peaceful. This led me to ask, “How can I bring more harmony into workdays?” I love my job and the people I work with, so how do I give my best to them?

When evaluating my workdays, I must be honest. I haven’t created time for being grounded. Meeting after meeting is draining, and I haven’t scheduled bathroom or even food breaks. This kind of hyperactive day leaves me drained and starved, dooming my afternoon and those around me.

I don’t have the energy to deal with surprises gracefully, but when I create space for myself, I’m much more attuned to the needs of the moment.

Changing my daily routine

With these kinds of clear patterns, I know it’s time to make a change. Small changes will allow me to be more open to enjoying my day and those around me.

I’m not an early morning riser. I get up just in time to crawl out of bed, grab some coffee, and slide into my desk right before my first meeting. Knowing this about myself, it would be disastrous for me to add an early morning routine, but what I can add without starting my day earlier is mindfulness.

I can incorporate mindful breathing during my morning routine. Mindful breathing lowers cortisol by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system. This signals to the body that everything is fine. We make noradrenaline each time we inhale, which impairs focus. By practicing mindful breathing, we can improve our attention level and overall health. Another way to draw strength is to light a candle on my ancestor's wall. It is grounding to recall those who have gone before me and endured these same struggles.

Finding time for change

Everyone’s schedule is unique, but they share some common patterns. Taking brief pauses helps us finish ideas we may have begun during a meeting. Clearing our thoughts allows us to be present for what comes next. My day is full of meetings, but you may have more focused work. Whatever the work is, it's important to take breaks and give your body time to relax, stretch and breathe.

Here are some strategies I'm using in my workday to help me stay balanced.

• Morning: Do mindful breathing, be present while drinking my coffee, and light an ancestor candle to start my day with intention.
• Mid-morning: Take a 15-minute break.
• Lunch: Leave my desk and replenish with a small meal.
• Mid-afternoon: Take a 15-minute break with a walk.
• After work: Clear my head from the day's stressors so I can be present with my loved ones in the evening.
• Bedtime: Release the day and rest knowing I have done my best in my work and personal life

Follow body clues

Our well-being is at risk, and our loved ones are on the line. It’s crucial to pay attention to our bodies. Hearing my colleagues share about health issues that result from ignoring their mental and physical signs is heartbreaking.

Pay attention to those around you when they say they need a break. Pay attention to your own body when it signals trouble. We each need to prioritize our mental and physical health.

Live your best life

About a year ago, my hairdresser moved from Oklahoma to Florida. Her reason was to live her best life she wanted to be by the ocean. It was completely disruptive to her wallet since she was literally walking away from her livelihood to go after her happiness. Her actions captured my attention and made me look at myself. Was I living my best life? Were there actions I could take to get closer to my ideal self?

For most of us, finding our best life is probably not that disruptive. By listening to the voice within us, we can discover the changes we need to make to achieve our optimal selves. It’s okay to embrace change. Give yourself permission to create your own happiness and live in the moment. Experiment by taking breaks, walks, and even working outside. Everything you can do to find your slice of paradise makes you and those around you happier.

You are allowed to be happy, and mindfulness might be a way forward.