We all get a little jaded sometimes and fantasising about what a perfect world would be, is a common practice. We tend to do this at times when we're feeling a little overwhelmed, and struggling to come to terms with the fact that whatever changes we wish to see in our lives, can only be done if we wake up from dreaming and set achievable and measurable goals.
Being apathetic to things in our lives that don't seem to fit in with our values and goals and just doing things for the sake of doing them only repeats and increases frustration and disappointment.
My minimalist hack to avoid that is to be mindful of activities. Being mindful is simply being in the moment giving an activity your full attention. Having an action plan helps, and when I have an agenda of items that I want to accomplish, it's easier for me to set the pace at which I plough away at them, giving each task my full attention and time.
Coffee in the morning
Is a good start to my day, where I can calmly savour every sip with peaceful thoughts. From the selection of the cup, the temperature of the coffee, to the aroma and taste. All these little things have an impact on me because I eat with my eyes.
There's no one fixed schedule to everyone's agenda, of course. However, being present in your current environment is another aspect of mindfulness that can help to reduce anxiety and stress. For example: if there's something stressful in the workplace that you have no immediate control over implementing a change. Then trying to focus your mind away from the problem before getting to work is better for the mind than thinking or talking about the work-problem, even before you get there, or while you are away from there. Personally, this works for me, because if I harp on about the problem, it's like living it twice.
Tending and grooming plants
It doesn't take long to water a plant or herbs or remove dry leaves. This seems simple, but by doing these things mindfully, that same principle is more likely to rub off into our personal lives, in how we nurture ourselves and apply small changes which lead to big ones in our lives.
It doesn't have to be a plant, it's also nice to take care of a pet or allow yourself adequate time to tend to someone incapable of looking after themselves.
When we hear mindfulness, we probably think it's a grand idea that only certain kinds of people engage in. However, it only takes a little conscious effort and has tremendous benefits for our well-being.
A Change in Bedtime and Rising Time
We all seem to be struggling for time and all our activities just don't seem achievable sometimes. A little change in our bedtime and rising time can bring a change in our moods.
Just making time for a breather instead of rushing around can be calming, as we can breathe slowly and deeply, which helps to regulate our energies.
I think Mondays are a good time to be mindful to set the week right, however, applying any of these principles and activities could be useful at any time.
Have a great week:)
PS. This is a contribution to the #MindfulMonday, the daily theme from The Minimalist community.
All images belong to me.
I used to think mindfulness was a bit woo-woo, but having given it a try I've found it useful for keeping my mind from straying to places I'd prefer it didn't go.
I'm so happy to hear that. 🤗
Yes, I think the word is deceiving and makes small simple acts seem daunting:)
Mindfulness exercises with food can be really interesting, like mindfully eating a raisin or grape. It's amazing how much we miss, or are unaware of in life when we are not in the moment.
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Mindfully eating is one of my favourite things to do. I actually start from cooking... the preparation of chopping, sounds and textures, and when eating, mindful thoughts too:)
Do you live in front of a water body? I envy you if the answer is yes, spending time in an environment like this helps a lot for those who can connect.
Life doesn't end with fantasies and making a difference for ourselves requires snapping out of our dreams. Your style is great, coffee, and tending to nature sound awesome to me.
Thanks for the beautiful tips.
No, I'm not living on the water right now. However, I did for 7 years, and it was wonderful.
I need to take some new photos, but these are from my hard drive that I've not used before. I prefer to use them than to use stock images from free sources.
I am living close to nature at the moment, but it's "greenery" which is also lovely.
Being close to the water and nature is ideal for me, because of all the mindful activities that I'm involved in.
Thanks for stopping by:)))
I love coffee in the mornings. It is mostly because I love the taste of it and the heat it provides to my body from the inside. Usually, for me, it's a great way to start the day. Maybe there could indeed be more to just taking it if I am more mindful of the deets of it all.
If that's where you take coffee every morning, by the sea, then you're almost in paradise. I am trying to imagine the feeling of it all in that environment.
Coffee by the sea, the river, or just outdoors in nature in your backyard, is a great way to start the day. It's even nicer if you're in a tropical environment with birds singing and butterflies flying around.
Yes, I think one gains the value from a cup of coffee when you're relaxed and calm.
Thanks for stopping by:)))
A daily plan of actions, puts us in motion, I cannot admire someone who is lying down most of the day, that is why it is very correct to schedule a life plan, to get rid of boredom, in my case at my age, doing yoga has been one of my first morning chores, reading, walking, dedicating myself to plants, going for a good coffee and sharing a delicious meal. It is always interesting when the need arises to get rid of boredom with the development of practical and useful activities, for the good of health. Greetings from Venezuela.
I agree with you. Retirees, especially need to have a focus to keep them going and to stay motivated to live. Boredom ages people who do not have hobbies.
Amazingly, you practice yoga, and I find people like you inspiring.
Greetings from the UK 🤗
I appreciate your message, dear from the United Kingdom, how good it is to be in contact with people worldwide thanks to Hive, @millycf1976 , it is very true that we must develop actions, to always be active, including all people, there are even young people who are sedentary and their activity is just the use of the computer.
This is one of my problems - not enough time to do all the things I'd like to do in a day. That's mostly because I go to bed very late and, obviously, wake up late. On the other hand, I don't want to give up my routine. I was born to be a night owl, I guess, and enjoy this freedom of not having to wake up like reasonable people. Back when I had an office job I'd be up at 6 or 7 and I don't miss that.
P.S. - I so envy you for that awesome place to have your morning coffee!
I'm a night owl and function when the world is asleep, but I also love mornings😆... which makes it a challenge.
Luckily, I no longer go out to work and I set my own time:))
I appreciate the support very much:)))Thank you ackhoo and the @qurator team.
😁
Wow, these are some awesome and extremely healthy life style choices explained thank you so much for curating this list.
Wow, that was a swift read!
Hey, thank you for approving my comment and not considering me as spam. I am really appreciative of your showing trust in my words.
#MindfulMonday, The Minimalist Daily Theme
Image belongs to millycf1976, and was manipulated using Canva
Around us is full of bad energies when we can not hold our energies for good. Perfect world is not perfect for people who never find themself.Hello, @millycf1976
Being peaceful with ourselves is a must. Well, I just posting my weekend activity, maybe you will check around.
I love the view in front of you. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hai, Milly
Di sekeliling kita dipenuhi oleh energi buruk ketika kita tidak dapat menahan energi kita. Dunia yang sempurna tidak akan sempurna untuk orang yang tidak pernah menemukan diri mereka sendiri.
Berdamai dengan diri sendiri adalah suatu keharusan. Oh ya omong-omomg aku baru saja posting tentang aktivitas akhir pekanku. Aku menyukai pemandangan di hadapanmu. Terima kasih telah berbagi.
Greetings