How to Be More Present: Tips for Cultivating Mindfulness in Daily Life

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your phone or daydreaming during a conversation, only to realize you missed what was said?

If you’re like me, GUILTY!

In today's world, distractions are everywhere, and it can be challenging to stay present in the moment. However, being present is essential for our well-being, and it's a skill that we can cultivate with practice.

According to a study by Harvard psychologists, people spend 47% of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they're doing. This mind-wandering can lead to unhappiness and stress. However, the same study found that people who were more present in the moment reported higher levels of happiness.

Brene Brown, one of our favourite research professors at the University of Houston, says,

"The greatest gift you can give someone is your presence."

When we are present, we are fully engaged in the conversation, and we feel more connected to others. Being present also allows us to experience life more fully and with more clarity.

So, how can we be more present in our daily lives?

One way is to practice mindfulness, which involves paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and non-judgment. This practice can be done through meditation, but it can also be integrated into everyday activities like walking or eating.

Another way to be more present is to eliminate distractions. This can mean putting away your phone during a conversation or turning off notifications on your computer. By reducing external stimuli, we can focus more on the present moment.

Finally, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude for what is happening in the moment. Taking a few minutes each day to reflect on what we're thankful for can help us appreciate the present and stay focused on what's important.

Being present is crucial for our well-being, and it's a skill that we can develop with practice. By practicing mindfulness, eliminating distractions, and cultivating gratitude, we can become more present in our daily lives.

As Brene Brown says, "We don't have to be perfect at it, but we need to be present. That's what counts."