How to Live More in the Present Moment
The present moment is all we truly have. The only moment that is actually guaranteed in life. I think the most important thing in life is to be present. To notice the people, nature, and moments around you and create the life you want.
Living in the present can be difficult for many, including myself. Now more than ever I think it’s difficult for many to disconnect due to the distractions that surround us. Here are a few things that have helped me live more in the present.
Spend time in Nature without any distractions
Nature is serenity. It’s peaceful and so powerful. Spending time in nature whether on a walk or simply just being provides clarity and connection. Be sure not to look at your phone and you’ll notice more of the beauty directly in front of you. If you want to take it to the next level, notice all of the muscles in your body, your feet hitting the ground and the gentle breeze through your hair. Noticing those details automatically help me connect to the present moment.
Move Your Body
Working out pushes you to challenge your mind and mind body connection. There are endless ways to move and challenge yourself. I fell in love with Pilates because you are moving and challenging your body through intentional movement and breathing. The more I did it, I became obsessed with not only seeing the physical strength I had developed but also my mindset and having the strength to keep going even if you feel like giving up.
Notice the Little Things
When you live in the present moment not only do you become more aware of other people, but you also create self-awareness. For me, heightened self-awareness has helped me have more emotional clarity, it has lead to less overthinking, and observing over reacting. I feel incredibly connected and aware of my mind and body and I think without living in the present it’s easy for that connection to get lost. I am always looking around observing when in public and something that I always find it interesting is that so many people are just scrolling on their phones, looking down at this tiny screen rather than looking ahead. Look up and start noticing the little things that make life so awesome.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a major component in honing in on the present moment because you are actively looking for what your grateful for in that exact moment. It can be as simple as getting to wake up today, getting to workout etc. Whether it’s saying it out loud or writing it down it makes a difference.
Practice Stillness Through Meditation or Breathwork
I know meditation isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean their aren’t alternatives with similar results. I combine meditation with visualization in the sense that I am connecting with my mind, and body while also visualizing the life I desire. A podcast I have been listening to since 2020, The Mindset Mentor has helped me connect with the present. Rob Dial, the host of the Mindset Mentor often mentions a transformative breathwork technique he practices. With your eyes closed take 6 deep breathes through your nose, hold in each breath for 4 seconds and exhale each breathe fully through your mouth. Once complete open your eyes. I have benefited from this immensely.
Journal your Thoughts
Journaling provides the opportunity to release anything that’s on your mind. Once you clear your mind, it makes it easier to be present. A great time to do this is in the mornings before your brain is stimulated by any distractions, right when you wake up.
Disposable Cameras
Buy a disposable camera to capture those candid memories – my favorite one is 35mmco. It’s lightweight, super cute, easy to reload and pop into your bag. This also prevents you from potentially getting distracted if using your cell phone. Once you’ve used all of your film send it in to receive your prints. It’s so much fun seeing the physical photographs.
Reduce your Social Media Usage
When it comes to social media it’s so easy to get lost in it, then hours of scrolling can pass. However when you use it effectively it can change your life, build your business and connect you with amazing people all over the world. So for me, keeping a healthy balance and being aware of how I use it makes a huge difference in being more present. A great way to reduce your social media time is by setting a certain amount of time for yourself when using it. For example if you need to use it, only spend 30 minutes per day set a timer and then commit to not going on it again for the rest of the day.
