I recently started following the concept of "mindful living." Mindful living is based on the idea of not focusing on the future, but rather living in the present and being more aware. Mindfulness has its origins in ancient Eastern and Buddhist philosophy and dates back around 2,500 years. The concept was introduced to the Western world by Jon Kabat-Zinn. The idea of mindful living is quite simple: it means, living in the moment, being aware of the present, and not letting life just pass you by.
I'm a full-time stay-at-home-mom of an energetic 4-year-old who does not attend school yet. I also work from home full time. The idea of letting going of schedules and just living more spontaneously has been quite beneficial. It's helped me feel more relaxed, less anxious, and generally calmer. An unexpected benefit? I have noticed a huge shift in my health, especially when it comes to food and physical activity.
I stopped forcing myself to feel a certain way.
Living mindfully has helped me become more in tune with how my body feels in the moment, as opposed to forcing myself to feel a certain way. I am a relatively active person. I make sure to get out for daily hour-long walks, mixed in with light strength training.
In the past, I used to make myself work out, even when I just wasn’t feeling it. I would work out half-heartedly, and in the end, not really get a good workout. I wouldn’t feel the positive effect of doing physical activity because I didn’t want to do it.
Now, I listen to my body. Am I tired? Did I not catch up on enough sleep? Are my feet aching? If I can feel I’m not up for physical activity, I won’t do it. In turn, my body gets rest and by doing so, I’m tuning in to what my body is asking for. By being aware of how I feel and letting my body rest, by the next day, I’m up for another workout. This is because I have made the conscious decision to listen to how I feel in the moment.
I am better focused on my diet.
Another welcome perk of mindful living is that I am better focused on my diet. I luckily have never been much of a serial dieter, but I have had my phases. I remember one period in my late teens following every “hot” diet at the moment just to lose 5 pounds. While luckily, I have a good relationship with my body and food, I have noticed that by adapting the mindful living concept, I listen more to what I want to eat.
Right now, we’re just getting off the hot summer months. Usually at the end of a long day, I would treat myself to a scoop of ice cream. Not even necessarily because I wanted it, but because it became a habit. I realized on most evenings, I didn’t even want the ice cream, but was just following the motions.
By being more aware, it has made a huge difference in my diet. I think before I eat. While I always tried to do this, I am really doing it now. I don’t just make what’s available in the fridge because I want to clear certain foods out, but I listen to myself and what I want to consume. Some days I want a piece of grilled salmon and a salad for dinner. And some days, chicken nuggets and french fries call my name. By giving in to my “cravings” when I need to and listening to my body when it needs protein or healthy carbs, I am better fueling my body.
Mindful living is actually quite easy.
At the end of the day, the concept of mindful living is quite easy. Don’t over-think. Don’t think about the past or the future. Think about what’s happening right in front of you, right now. Be more aware of the motions you are making on a daily basis.
Living this way will have a wonderful impact on your mental and physical health. I feel happier, calmer, and more relaxed. I feel full of energy and ready for whatever the day throws my way.
