How to Live in the Moment: 10 Everyday Practices

Do you ever wake up one morning and think, “Wow, it’s already Friday?! Where did this entire week go??”. I have found myself guilty of saying this lately. Time really does move quickly. It can move even quicker if we aren’t being present in the moment. But how can we live in the moment when we are so busy with deadlines, tantrums and chores?

Learning how to live in the moment is a concept I have been focusing on for the last couple of months. I looked at my daughter the other day and realized time is moving so fast. She is growing up in almost a blink of an eye. I have been spending so much time worrying about getting out of debt, saving up to buy a house, figuring out what we will have for dinner tonight. Sometimes life gets overwhelming. But it is so important to just stop, look around, and absorb all of God’s gifts that have been given to you.

Below I listed 10 practices I have been employing recently to help me live in the moment.

10 practices to live in the moment

Be intentional

Don’t grab that coffee in the morning or glass of wine at night because it’s habit, do it because you want it. Go for your morning jog because it is what you truly want to do, not because you feel like you have to.

Think about the activities you are doing throughout the day and ask yourself, “why am I doing this right now?”. If you don’t have an answer that doesn’t include because it’s a habit, don’t do it. Time is precious, so be intentional about how you use it.

Be mindful

Along with being intentional about your actions, be mindful of how those actions make you feel. Think about the way it makes you feel when your lips meet the cup and you take that first sip of coffee. Does the warmth down your throat give you comfort? Does it make you happy?

Being mindful of how our actions makes us feel helps increase your self-awareness.

Enjoy the little things

When you are intentional and mindful of your actions, you are able to focus on the little parts of your day that bring you joy.

I’ll give you a little mom example here. In the mornings when I am breastfeeding my daughter I focus on her breathing. I inhale and exhale with her as she is pressed up against me. It’s a simple moment that occurs daily, but appreciating her tiny breaths on my skin truly makes me so happy. Notice the little happenings around you throughout the day. Relish in the joy of those small moments.

Limit screen time

Something I think we all could work on right?

There was a time when I would scroll on my phone or watch TV while my daughter would be breastfeeding. But now, I practice being mindful in that moment instead of brainlessly scrolling through my feed. Think of how much more productive you could be if you didn’t waste hours upon hours comparing your life to others on a screen? You could being doing activities you actually WANT to do and making yourself a better person! Or you could simply just enjoy the moment instead of enjoying someone else’s moment on a screen.

Set a timer on your phone and allow yourself only a certain amount of time per day to scroll. It’s super helpful!

Go outdoors

Every single day I make it a point to go outside with my daughter and get fresh air. Listening to nature and feeling the breeze on my skin helps me relax and focus. Plus some extra vitamin D is always beneficial!

I find I am able to think more clearly and be fully present when I am outdoors. So go for a walk, look at the surrounding trees, listen to the birds chirping, and just appreciate the beauty of mother nature!

Laugh

Laugh and smile at everything. Especially when you are having one of those days when you feel like doing the opposite.

You can trick your mind into thinking you are happy if you just crack a smile. Look for every excuse and opportunity to smile and laugh throughout your day!

Pray and/or meditate

I pray about 3 times a day. When I wake up, before I eat dinner and before I go to sleep. Taking moments during the day to pause and talk to God or even to yourself helps you stay grounded and cognizant of your blessings or struggles.

Meditating is also a great practice. It helps lower stress and anxiety that can develop during the day. In my post How to Become a More Patient Mom I mention some of my favorite meditations to listen to.

Be grateful

When you pray or meditate, take that moment of silence to just say thank you. Thank God or the universe for everything you have. That your lungs are breathing and your heart is beating. Acknowledging that you are blessed and being grateful for those blessings will improve your outlook on your day and life in general!

Listen

Sometimes I have a habit of being preoccupied with my own thoughts while someone is speaking to me. I have made it a goal to actually look at someone in the eyes when they speak to me and truly listen. Be present and contribute to your everyday conversations!

Breathe

Something I learned during a hypnotherapy session is the importance of focusing on your breaths. Being aware as you inhale and exhale can really help you connect to your body and become more self-aware. It is so relaxing and even helps me fall asleep at night.

It can be hard to be fully present in your life at all times. Especially when there are so many duties and responsibilities. These good habits take time to form and I am no pro! Just remember life isn’t about the destination it’s about the journey!

What do you do to help you become more mindful?

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