Discover The Top 6 Powerful Habits for Extraordinary Well-being

#Mindfulness, #Emotional Well-being, #Mental Health, #Habits, #Lifestyle

Introduction

Life's unending rhythm of activities, responsibilities, and deadlines often feels like an uncontrollable whirlwind. Amidst this chaos, how do we pause, find calm, and truly live in the moment? The answer lies in mindfulness, a simple yet profound approach to life that's increasingly gaining attention due to its myriad benefits. Let's discuss the top 6 habits that truly mindful individuals cultivate and how they shape their lives.

It takes a little bit of mindfulness and a little bit of attention to others to be a good listener, which helps cultivate emotional nurturing and engagement. - Deepak Chopra

1. Embracing Calm Amidst the Storm

Have you ever felt like you're on an emotional roller-coaster, rapidly shifting from joy to despair, anger to apathy? Mindful individuals don't let their emotions control them. They experience their emotions, but they don't lose their cool. They give themselves the space to process their feelings without letting them overwhelm them. By practising this, they create an emotional buffer that shields them from the more damaging effects of negative emotions.

2. The Beauty of Imperfection

"Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing," a poignant statement by psychologist Harriet Braiker. Mindful individuals understand this. They are aware of the pitfalls of perfectionism – the unnecessary stress, anxiety, and unrealistic expectations it breeds. They embrace the beauty of imperfection, knowing that it's okay to make mistakes, and true growth sprouts from these mistakes. For the longest part of my life, I was chasing perfection, but I realized there is no secret sauce. The universe is not perfect and still doing its things for billions of years. Our imperfections make us unique; else, what will be the difference between us & the robots?

Breathe in deeply to bring your mind home to your body. Then look at, or think of, the person triggering this emotion: With mindfulness, you can see that she is unhappy, that she is suffering. You can see her wrong perceptions. You can see that she is not beautiful when she says things that are unkind. - Thich Nhat Hanh

3. Prioritising Self-Care

Many of us are wired to believe that prioritising ourselves is selfish. Mindful individuals challenge this belief. They understand the wisdom behind the saying, "You cannot pour from an empty cup." They know the importance of self-care and make it a priority, not an afterthought. They attend to their physical, emotional, and mental needs, allowing them to care for others more effectively. Spending time & effort on yourself should not be negotiable. I wrote an article earlier on this topic that may interest you - Self-care Isn't Selfish; It's Necessary

4. Knowing Your Boundaries

Mindful individuals are in tune with their feelings and capabilities. They know their limitations and respect these. They don't overcommit or overextend themselves, which often leads to burnout. This understanding of personal boundaries allows them to lead balanced lives, allocating time and energy to different aspects of life without feeling overwhelmed. Don’t stretch yourself thin, or you will not achieve any of them.

5. Mindfulness in the Mundane

Can washing dishes or brushing your teeth be a mindful practice? Absolutely! Mindful individuals transform ordinary, everyday tasks into moments of mindfulness. They immerse themselves fully in the task, whether savouring their morning coffee or taking a walk. This practice enhances their mindfulness journey and elevates their daily experiences. Enjoy everything you do, big or small. Cherish every moment. I find doing dishes therapeutic. It allows me to slow down and think bigger. Find what works for you best.

6. The Power of Uni-tasking

In our hyper-connected, multitasking world, mindful individuals choose a different path of uni-tasking. They engage deeply with one task at a time, thus minimizing distractions and stress. This focused attention allows them to connect more meaningfully with their tasks and derive satisfaction from their work. Multi-tasking is a myth. Do one task at one time and do it well. Do not overwhelm yourself with a myriad of work.

Conclusion

The trip towards awareness can be gruelling, but it's worth it. Every step you take brings you near to a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life. Awareness isn't an end thing but a nonstop trip of discovery and growth. It requires tolerance, practice, and perseverance. At first, it might feel difficult to quiet your mind and concentrate on the present moment. You may find yourself getting distracted by worries or external stimulants. Still, with time and practice, you can train your mind to be more present and apprehensive.

One way to cultivate awareness is through contemplation. This practice involves sitting or lying down in a quiet place, closing your eyes, and fastening your breath or a mantra. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath or mantra without judgment or frustration.  
Another way to exercise awareness is through daily conditioning, similar to eating, walking, or washing dishes. Rather than rushing through these tasks, try to savour each moment and notice the sensations, studies, and feelings that arise. Awareness isn't about being perfect or achieving a certain state of mind. It's about being apprehensive of your studies, passions, and surroundings without judgment or attachment. The trip towards awareness is a lifelong process, but it's also a satisfying one. As you become more aware, you may notice advancements in your connections, health, and overall well-being. So keep taking that small way towards awareness, and enjoy the trip.

Books

1. Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn
2. Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat
3. The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh

All book links from https://www.goodreads.com/