5 mindfulness tips to keep you calm

Check out these 5 mindfulness tips to keep you calm from mindfulness expert Emma Mills.

Sometimes life can get hectic trying to juggle work, family and social occasions, so even in manic times, it’s worth having mindfulfulness exercises that can ease up everything. This will calm your body and make you aware of your thoughts and feelings. It might sound a bit unusual, but this can help you respond to unexpected situations that can occur. Unfortunately we don’t have control over everything, but we do have more power than we think. Using your mind and body, you can practice appreciating the small things and lessen your stress and anxiety. So try out these 5 tips today…

1) Have a quiet time each day

It can be quite relaxing to take five minutes out from your routine to sit still and to just pay attention to your surroundings. You can even do this during your commute. The key to getting this right is completely giving up of all effort or activity and sitting quietly. So just sit and be for a few minutes without any agenda, or sense of ambition or intention on what will happen.

2) Practice mindful thinking when walking

Don’t take your walks to work for granted. If you take 40 minutes commuting each day, that’s a whole week out of your 52-week year. Rather than seeing your walk as a means to an end, enjoy it for what it is and make the most of the time.

3) Mindfulness before a meal

Sit down and have your normal meal, but remember to pay attention to your senses. Not just taste, but the smells and sounds too. If you’re eating with other people, watch how their eating speed may affect yours. If someone becomes irate, you might find you both start eating quickly. But that works in reverse too: eat slowly, put your knife and fork down between bites, and you could inspire a slower eating pace for them.

4) Meditation
Keeping your body in an upright position will mean you can breathe fully, keeping you well-oxygenated, as well as giving your organs plenty of space. Other active meditation, such as reading a poem, looking at a piece of art that moves you, or really listening to a song, is also suited to  It’s good to do both.

 5) Calmly breathe
It’s important to breathe consciously, in and out, nice and easily. Breathe in for seven seconds and then out for 11 seconds. It’s a de-stressing breathing pattern that’s particularly relaxing for the nervous system. It encourages a gentle awareness of the present moment.  

For more information about the author of these mindfulness tips, check out mindfulness expert Emma Mills.