In a world where it is so easy to get triggered by the actions of others, in a world where it is so easy to become distracted by external influences, and in a world where it feels like we are constantly making decisions in a hurry, decisions which sometimes are not congruent to our values, it is super important to stop and think about the impact that being more mindful has on our outcomes.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of what you are feeling in any given moment without placing judgement. It helps us to reduce stress and relaxes our body. When we are mindful, we choose our thoughts and, as a result it is much easier to choose our reactions.

Becoming more mindful in our day to day life will see us feeling more relaxed, more grateful and more appreciative of our surroundings.

Mindfulness also allows us to see that in any given moment, everyone is doing the best they can.

Below are 5 simple ways to bring more mindfulness into your days.

1. Set your daily intention

When you wake up in the morning, choose how you would like to show up, for both yourself and for those around you. This may include your children, your spouse, or your colleagues at work. What three words would you use to describe how you would like to show up?

2. Plan your mornings

Instead of jumping out of bed and doing what you have always done, take some time be alone. Sit in silence, practice some meditation, go for a walk, or do whatever works for you, to begin the day so that you can feel a sense of calm. Try to set your alarm a little earlier to create that time for yourself.

3. Visualise your larger goals

Rome was not built in a day, and likewise your dreams and goals are a work in progress. Spend a couple of minutes each day to visualise where you want to be, or ‘that star you want to reach’. On days where it seems to hard, too far away or unachievable, try and just focus on the small steps that will slowly get you heading in the right direction.

4. Listen to your body

Listen to your body when it needs to rest. Be mindful of when your body needs to recharge. Remember, you are not a robot and all the ‘tasks’ on your to do list can wait. Listen to your body when it becomes tired and take that time out for yourself to recharge.

5. End your day on a positive note

Before you go to bed, instead of focusing on what when wrong and looping on those thoughts, begin practicing what went right, what you were grateful for, what you achieved and what progress you made. What were you grateful for on that occurred on that particular day? If you are unhappy with something, try and take on the learning of that challenge, and look at it as an opportunity to grow next time. Don’t allow it to weigh you down for too long. Life is about progress not perfection. Perfection is boring!

Do this and you will be well and truly on your way to living a successful, purposeful and fully charged life EVERYDAY!