How to calm your mind if meditation is not for you
A busy mind is a feeling that I'm sure you know very well ~ after all, we all have busy schedules and long to-do lists so it is no surprise that some days our thoughts are running at 100 miles an hour!
This can make mentally shutting off really difficult, but there are huge benefits to taking out a few minutes each day to focus on calming your mind ~ mindfulness practices have been shown to:
— reduce stress and anxiety
— enhance your focus
— break negative thought patterns
— support your digestion
When it comes to meditation though, the thought of simply sitting still long enough to slow your thoughts down can feel challenging and put us off trying ~ but if we shift our expectations of what it involves, we can reframe it as such a positive thing to include each day!
Meditation is just about being intentionally present in the present, so even taking a minute to be present is hugely beneficial
So here are 5 other ways you can practice mindfulness:
Get outside in nature — short bursts of being in nature have been proven to reduce stress levels and boost your mood
Slow your breathing — being more aware of your breath is an effective way to be more mindful. Sit for a couple of minutes gradually depending your breath by making your exhale longer than your inhale
Check in with your senses — pause and name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste to bring you back to the present and ground you in the moment
Start writing down your thoughts — journaling is a great way to tap into your internal world and process it more clearly
Get creative — choosing to do something creatives gives you time to focus on the activity and feel safe in your environment at the same time, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety
I’d love to hear which of these you try, send me a DM and let me know which is your favourite!