MUNDANE to MINDFUL

Being mindful while getting ready

When you are getting ready in the morning, set a clear time-frame for your tasks. This is your time to prepare for the day ahead, so leave your phone off, or set it to ‘do not disturb’.

How to have a mindful commute

Leaving the house and heading to work can be an excellent time to practice mindfulness. Whether it’s a short walk, long drive, or train journey, the way we spend our time and energy during our commute has a big impact on the rest of our day.

Being mindful at work

Being mindful at work can sometimes be a challenge. With so many tasks, relationships and deadlines to manage, order can quickly turn to chaos. Here are a few tips for being mindful while working in an office.

Mindfulness while food shopping

Whether you are cooking solo or with friends or family, meal preparation is an excellent opportunity to practice mindfulness. Light a candle or some incense and be methodical with each aspect of the meal preparation, approaching each step with care.

Give yourself the freedom to investigate, hold, admire, or smell something that draws your attention.

When you find something on your list, use the same gentleness and care you’d use for a crate of eggs to gently place it into your basket, trolley, or bag at the tills.

Mindful eating

When eating, take time to enjoy every bite, indulging yourself in the tastes and textures. Be grateful for the food on your plate, whether it’s a meal you’ve cooked yourself or you are eating a meal a friend or family member has prepared for you.

Mindful washing up

How to be mindful while exercising

Exercising is time where you should focus your attention solely on your own wellbeing. Be mindful of your actions, whether you are using gym equipment or are in the great outdoors. Breathe easily and feel the rewarding sensations as your body benefits from the exertion.

Mindfulness while doing laundry

Don’t overlook the time you spend doing laundry as a time to practice mindfulness. Be calm. Take it slowly from the moment you load the washer, to when you’ve finished ironing that last crisp, warm item of clothing.

Cleaning the house mindfully

Cleaning is an ideal way to increase mindful feelings and, as you organise your living space, you’ll be decluttering your mind too. It doesn’t have to be daunting. Consider your plan of action and admire your home as you move carefully from room to room.

Mindful gardening

Mindful gardening is a beautiful opportunity to connect with nature. Begin with a clear vision. Think like a painter who begins a painting or a chef who is preparing a feast. A garden is a place where creativity, nature and mindfulness all come together. Choose plants that will grow well together in the environment, and decide where the colours of flowers and foliage will fit best in.

Take a few mindful breaths and begin weeding by gently pulling away at the large, loose weeds in the work area. Then, work your way down to the smaller, lower plants.

Notice the range of aromas in the garden. If you notice your mind drifting away from the work, gently use your sense of smell to return to the presence around you.

When using a tool like a rake, try to keep the same sense of focus and connection with the garden as when weeding by hand.

When cleaning leaves, begin by planning out your path of sweeping or raking first, and then move into mindfully moving through the work.

When you’ve finished, notice the smells and colours in the garden around you. Appreciate all the effort you’ve put into making a beautiful garden.