It is so easy to get caught up in the busy life of school, work, family, bills, whatever it may be. However, something that has helped me tremendously in getting over my anxious and busy day-to-day life is mindfulness meditation. 

I started this about a year ago to help me just take a break from the scheduling, printing, constant on-the-go feeling I was getting every day. Mindfulness Meditation is not about transporting you elsewhere, or trying to change who are or anything like that. In the clearest way, it is about focusing in the present moment. Being in the here and now. As for me, that is harder than it sounds. 

So if there is anything I could give to others to help enrich their lives is to be mindful of the here and now. How? Here’s a start:

To start out, try for at least 5 minutes a day, to sit in a space that you are comfortable in. Take deep breaths and focus on the now. Is there a sound in your background? Is a certain part of your body feeling a certain way? Focus on your breathing and how it feels coming from your lungs and out of your mouth or nose. The key is to let yourself think what it wants, without judgement. Acknowledging that the room is cold, rather than “the room is cold and I can’t stand it.” If your mind wanders to something else, maybe something you have to do later in the day, that’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up over the fact you’re thinking about the future. Bring it back to the now and keep breathing. It’s about being mindful of the present, the here and now, without judgement. 

Try it for 5 minutes a day, and gradually extend the time. I am not perfect, I haven’t practiced in months. But, what I do know is that by simply stopping what I am doing, taking a few deep breaths, and smiling to myself, I can calm myself down and ease my anxiety. Show up for your life, and help yourself feel the best you can be. 

xx,

Mariah