I don't know about you, but 2019 felt like a whirlwind. So much has happened! From moving to a new city, to visiting countries I have never seen, to starting my own practice. 2019 has been a hell of a year.
With so much happening I asked myself, "How much of it do I truly remember?" For the most part I remember the big moments, but what about the little ones? Looking back I notice that the more present I was in the little moments the more likely I am to remember them!
With that said, I want you to cherish the small moments. Don't make them insignificant because they are "small". That is the reason it should be significant!
With 2020 around the corner we focus on our new year's resolution. But how about we just be. Less pressure, right? Yup!
Below are 7 ways to be more present in 2020!
1. Reduce your time on social media
This one is quite obvious for me. Reduce your time on social media = more time in reality.
Your smartphone has a feature called "screen time". This feature lets you see how long you are on certain apps and can also give you a limit. I HIGHLY suggest giving yourself a limit and sticking to it. Be more in your life and less in other people's lives.
2. Worry Less
I saw this quote on Pinterest saying, "If it won't matter in 5 years then don't spend more than 5 minutes worrying about it"
I tend to overthink (all the time), but this quote helped me slow down. I think about this every time I get a worry.
Try it, see how much lighter you will feel!
3. Practice Your Listening Skills
I like this one because it helps me actually listen to people. We can get SO distracted (with other people, our phones) when people are talking to us. The trick I've learned is to straight-up listen to what they are saying. I try not to think about what I will say next. I only listen. P.S. This works wonders in your relationships. Thank me later!
4. Try the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Rule!
I use this trick all the time with my clients. It's an excellent grounding tool that I use on myself too!
You can try this as you are reading this article.
Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth
*inhale*
*exhale*
Pick 5 things you can "See" (and truly observe them)
Pick 4 things you "Hear" (and truly hear them)
Pick 3 things you can "Touch" (and touch them)
Pick 2 things you can "Smell/Taste" (and sense them)
Pick 1 thing you feel (and give yourself the space to feel it)
The senses above are interchangeable so make it your own!
5. Put your phone away when you are with others
*Starbucks line = put your phone away*
*Waiting for a friend outside = put your phone away*
*At a party = put your phone away*
Remember at the beginning of this article I told you to let the little things matter? Well, here you go! The waiting in line and being around people these are small moments. Allow yourself to be in them and immerse yourself in it!
6. Start meditating
This is not only taking deep breathes and clearing your mind. This can also be "active meditation". Active meditation is meditation that involves physical movement.
Some examples of active meditation:
*Washing dishes
*Mindful walking
*Sounds/music
*Mandala/coloring
The trick is to be mindful of the physical activity you are doing.
7. Practice Gratitude
My recent YouTube video here is all about Gratitude! Teaming up with Asal Dean, creator of the Gratitude Grams, has made me see the importance of gratitude. Writing down 3 things a day helps improve your health, relationships, and self-esteem! I like to get specific! I'm grateful for (in no particular order):
1. Having a tasty chocolate chip cookie today
2. Speaking to my family in the afternoon
3. Creating and completing the 30-Day Self-Love Challenge
Your turn!
I am grateful for...
1.
2.
3.
You can write down what you are grateful for in the comments section!
Remember to practice the above 7 Ways to be MORE PRESENT in 2020!
