As someone who is almost 30, I have learned that, as much as I work toward all my goals- -whether that be career or person- they will never bring me true happiness. Life is constantly trying to pull me in so many directions that there are moments where I completely lose track of where I should be going.
Initially I thought being present was deleting my social media but i sound realize that i was just looking for another distraction. That’s when I understood that I could still use social media, I would just need to be more mindful with my time when using it. I stopped using it in front of coworkers, friends, or relatives, for example.
In reality, social media may help you be more in the present by keeping you up up-to-date on trends and news, which can help you connect with others better.
It’s important to ask oneself, “What do I want to do? What do I want to accomplish?” Being present in your life requires you to give yourself direction above all else. Instead of following the crowd, you must make your own decisions. Being present is accepting and carrying out a duty or decision.
What Does It Mean to Live In The Moment?
You’ve probably heard the advice to “live in the moment” before, or come across the cliched expression somewhere in a book or tv show. But what does it mean to truly be present in one’s life? Is it possible to stop thinking about the past and the future and just live in the moment?
Being mindful of the here and now is what it means to “live in the moment.” When you’re present in your life, you’re taking in everything the world has to offer. Those who are present in the now aren’t preoccupied by the past or the future or by electronic devices.
The secret to long life and contentment is a focus on the here and now. It’s a great tool for combating anxiety, cutting down on unnecessary worrying, and maintaining a sense of perspective and belonging in the world.
Benefits Of Being In The Moment
Living in the moment, also known as mindfulness, has many benefits for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of living in the moment:
Reduced stress: When we focus on the present moment, we are not worrying about the future or ruminating on the past, which can reduce our stress levels.
Increased happiness: When we are fully engaged in the present moment, we are more likely to experience positive emotions and feel happier.
Improved relationships: When we are present with others, we are better able to listen and communicate effectively, which can improve our relationships.
Greater self-awareness: Living in the moment allows us to tune in to our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, which can increase our self-awareness and help us make better decisions.
Enhanced creativity: When we are fully present, we are more open to new ideas and experiences, which can enhance our creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Better physical health: Living in the moment can reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive impact on our physical health. It can also help us make healthier choices, such as eating well and exercising regularly.
Ways To Be More Present
1. Observe every little thing with care.
Take note of the little information of your surroundings. Give thanks to them. Focusing on the here and now and appreciating the little things in life will lead to more joy.
Artist and author Cheryl Rainfield suggests focusing on the little pleasures in life, such as ice cream, bubbles, and music, because they may have a surprisingly large impact on your mood.
Your attention must always be on the present moment if you are to truly live in it. Don’t lose concentration. Put away the electronics, slow down, and enjoy the here and now.
2. Take on one task at a time.
It is best to concentrate on only a single task at a time when practicing present-moment awareness. Multitasking and working on numerous things at once can make you feel more productive, but it also makes it difficult to focus on the here and now.
Putting in the effort to complete something that needs your undivided focus may seem daunting at first, but you’ll end up getting a lot more done.
Give whatever it is you’re doing 100 percent of your focus. Stop and refocus on the task at hand whenever you find yourself daydreaming or fiddling with your phone because you don’t feel like doing it.
3. Maintain a grateful mindset.
Being appreciative of the things you have right now is an important part of being fully present. Thinking about what you need prevents you from appreciating what you do have at the present moment.
Writing down and regularly reviewing a list of blessings is one method to cultivate an attitude of appreciation. Attempt to record at least three things for which you are thankful. Another option is to go on a “gratitude rampage” and jot down as many things for which you are thankful as you can in a set amount of time.
Being thankful forces you to reflect on the reasons you feel grateful and how those reasons impact your life right now.
Practicing gratitude is a great way to keep in mind the many blessings you’ve received. Give thanks for the person you are, the emotions you’re experiencing, and the people and animals in your life.
4. Try mindful meditation
Mindfulness meditation can help you be more in the here and now. Focused awareness meditation teaches practitioners to pay closer attention to the present moment.
If you want to spend more time living in the here and now, a daily meditation practice can help you become more self-aware of your thoughts and emotions.
When you meditate, you train your mind to become more aware of, and detached from, its thoughts. Finding a meditation class in your region is your best choice for learning how to meditate because it takes time, practice, and direction.
Read more about: Benefits Of Mindful Meditation For Those With ADHD
5. Be kind to others.
Doing something nice for someone out of the goodness of your heart can make your day, and theirs, and put a smile on both of your faces. Kindness performed at random is, well, random. They are a wonderful complement to your regular routine because they are unplanned and unexpected.
If you encounter that individual out in the rain again, be kind and offer them your umbrella. That lost driver? In case of an emergency, please dial 911. Who’s that person helping the elderly lady with her shopping? Please bring these to her.
Helping another person out of the goodness of one’s heart is a great way to practice being present in the moment. It not only encourages present-mindedness but also enhances the quality of the time you share with another person.
6. Practice breathing exercises.
One simple approach to bring yourself into the present moment is to focus on your breathing. Being present at the moment is as simple as following your breath.
If you’re having trouble concentrating, taking a few minutes to sit down and take some deep breathing can assist.
Taking deep, controlled breaths might help you feel more in charge of your current task and lessen the impact of panic attacks or other bad emotions.
Read more about: 10 Effective Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief
7. Limit social media use.
Putting down the phone and refocusing your attention on what’s happening now is another benefit of taking a break from technology.
While you may believe that being constantly connected to the world through social media is beneficial, it is actually interfering with your capacity to be fully present at the moment.
How often do you find yourself checking social media when you should be focusing on something else? You need to find ways to keep technology from taking over your life so much that you stop paying attention to the world around you.
Read more about: Benefits of Taking a Social Media Break
8. Smile more.
If you’re in an unhappy state or just not feeling great, it can be difficult to focus on right now, but forcing yourself to grin and chuckle will almost always lift your spirits.
Force yourself to grin and laugh if you notice that negative emotions are keeping you from fully engaging in the here and now. If you force yourself to smile and laugh silly, you should feel better almost immediately.
Look at yourself in the mirror and you’ll see how to be present in the now. Try brightening your mood with a grin.
9. Spend time in nature.
One of the most powerful saving grace of the twenty-first century is the world of nature. It’s a reminder to take it easy and be in the present moment and now.
When you’re surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of nature, you’re less likely to be distracted by electronic devices, social media notifications, and other modern distractions.
Spending time in nature has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body.
In Conclusion
To practice being present, it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings, activities, and company. Try not to dwell on what has already happened or what might happen in the future, but rather appreciate all that you do have.