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And breathe - 5 ways to bring mindfulness into your everyday routine

If like a lot of us, you lead a busy lifestyle, it can sometimes feel hard to find time to focus on yourself. Getting to a yoga session can become yet another thing on your never-ending to-do list and whilst we would all like spend our weekends at a spiritual retreat, somehow life (and our bank balance) always seems to get in the way. However, there are many ways you can bring mindfulness and meditation into your everyday life. Finding quiet moments of stillness throughout the day can have a real impact on your mental wellbeing. 


Here are a few ideas on how you to practice mindfulness, and find a little bit of calm, in some unlikely places. 


In The Shower 


It’s great to start your day right with a bit of me-time, but if you’re constantly hitting the snooze button, a morning meditation may be out of the question. However, a mindful shower is something we can all fit in before we leave the house. When you start running the water, notice the sound of it hitting the tub and how the mirrors begin to slowly steam up. Really breathe in the scent of your shower gel, think about the way it makes you feel - is it a relaxing smell of more energising? Feel the water hit your body and take a moment to feel grateful that you have hot running water. 


Making A Cup of Tea


Whether first thing in the morning or later in the day when you’re at work, the process of making a cup of tea is a great opportunity for a spot of mindfulness. As the kettle is boiling, notice the sound it makes and how the plumes of steam get bigger the hotter the water gets. As you pour the water into the mug, watch the colour change and become more saturated as the tea infuses into it. If you’re adding milk, notice the beautiful patterns it makes as it swirls into the tea, changing the colour once again. 


Take A Walk 


You don’t have to go on a lengthy hike to feel the mental benefits of a walk. Whether it’s part of your commute or you’re popping out for lunch, any stroll can become a useful mindfulness exercise. Take your headphones out and really absorb the world around you. Notice the sounds of the city, the conversations people are having as they walk past. If you pass some form of nature, take your time to marvel in its beauty and complexity or if you're in a more built-up area, take in the shop windows of local businesses - have they changed since you last walked past? Or have you never even noticed them before?


Standing in A Queue 


Whilst standing in a long line is never anyone’s favourite activity, you can turn a frustrating situation into a time for mindfulness. Firstly, look inside. Notice your posture, how you are breathing - maybe take the opportunity for a few big belly breaths, with your eyes closed. Then turn your attention to the other people in the queue, notice what they are wearing, the purchases they are about to make. Send kind, positive thoughts to those in front - it will make you feel a lot better than being annoyed with them!


Bedtime 


Building mindfulness it to your bedtime routine will help you get a better night’s sleep and feel more positive and energised the next day. Put away all your electronic devices and take a few minutes in bed to focus on you. Take a few deep breaths, express gratitude for the day that’s passed. Inhale relaxing scents, like our Midnight Oil, and take your time with your nightly skincare routine, notice how refreshed and soft your skin feels as you treat it to a mindful cleanse and moisturise.