What does it mean to be mindful?
We all know what it is like to have a full mind, right? As moms, we are juggling a million thoughts in our minds every day. Our minds are in overdrive.
But think about what it means to be mindful. Being mindful, by definition, means focusing your attention on the present moment. Not the past, not the future. Just the here and now.
Being mindful can help your brain learn how to regulate your emotions, decreasing anxiety and depression. We are training our mind to turn off from the hustle and bustle and focus on one aspect of the present.
What are some strategies we can use to be mindful?
No, I’m not talking about a spa day (although that would be wonderful, yeah?). I am talking about the everyday, “I don’t have time for anything” types of ways we can take care of our mind.
Here is a short list of my favorite things that you can do at home.
I call them “The Four S’s”
Sound. Sun. Sip. Smell.
These four things can bring you into the present moment. Say you’re exhausted, haven’t slept in weeks, need to take a shower and eat a bite, but baby is clinging to you for dear life.
You can take a few moments to bring any of these four s’s into your day.
Sound
Take some time to listen. Turn on your favorite music, or really listen to the sounds of your child, or the birds chirping. Focusing on the sounds around you brings you into the present moment, grounds you, and allows your mind to focus on something external instead of the racing thoughts.
Sun
Soak up that sunshine! Even just for a few minutes, go outside and breath in the fresh air. We get natural vitamin D from sunshine, and this directly impacts and helps our mental health. Feel the warmth on your skin, focus on this sensation, and enjoy this glimmer of peace.
Sip
Yep, drink water. Or hot tea. Or anything that you enjoy. As long as you are mindful of taste on your tongue, it counts! Allow that taste to linger – you may even want to close your eyes to really focus on the taste.
Smell
(This is my favorite.) Light a candle or some incense. Put on your favorite lotion. Go outside and find some flowers to smell. The act of smelling something we like releases dopamine in the brain, which helps our mental health even just for a moment.
