When it comes to being more mindful, we could all do with help from time to time. Luckily for us, there are so many more options available to us now than a few years ago. It is now much more recognised how great mindfulness is for us on a daily basis, and the positive impact it can have on your mental health. Here are some fun ways to get your mindfulness in.
Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash
Colouring
There was a time when you were younger that you probably coloured in for fun. It didn’t matter when or why, but you just did. Colouring is something that is really relaxing and lets your creative spirit fly free for a while. You can make it extra fun and purchase some custom paint by numbers for yourself. It doesn’t have to be full books, it can simply be a page a day.
Sniffing Flowers
You know the saying about stopping to smell the roses? Well, if you have some time to go and get yourself a beautiful bunch of flowers. If you have some in the garden, then that is even better. Take some big deep breaths. Breathe in the smell of the flowers for a few seconds and just rest. The smell of flowers is so pleasant, and those big deep breaths are perfect for really filling your lungs.
Yoga
If you have tense muscles, or you have aches and pains around your body, you might enjoy some deep stretches. The great thing about yoga is that you can take it at your own speed. The aim of the game is to be in touch with your breath and slowly stretch out your muscles. This will release tension, and you will find that you don’t hold your shoulders quite so tightly after. Try and fit some yoga in at least once a week.
Meditation
There are a few phone apps that you can get that will help you with meditation. Guided meditation will enable you to follow them in terms of getting your breathing controlled, dealing with intrusive thoughts, and asking yourself some questions. The Headspace and the Calm app are perfect places for you to start your guided meditation journey.
Music
If you have some music that you really love to listen to, take some time when you have nothing else to do and listen to your favourite music. If you feel like it, you can dance and sing, move around and loosen up your joints too. You might try to have some relaxing playlists on in the background of your day to day activities too.
Craft
There are few things in life as wonderful as crafting. Even if you don’t end up making the thing that you had set out to make. Letting your imagination run wild with a glue stick and some sequins are lovely. You might even go bigger than that and make pottery, woodwork or sculptures. Whatever you do, remember it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be fun.
