Everything seems to move so quickly these days, with a multitude of demands and emergencies to manage. In this whirlwind, there is a great temptation to get lost in daydreams or to give in to the sirens of the past. However, there are simple techniques to stop dreaming and refocus on the present moment. Discover these 4 important habits shared by an expert.
First habit: develop body awareness
The first step in learning to live more intensely in the present moment is to pay more attention to your own body. Indeed, better self-awareness allows you to better ground yourself in reality and not to get carried away by the twists and turns of the mind. Here are some practical tips to become more aware of your sensations:
- Practice physical activity regularly (yoga, walking, dancing) which promotes the perception of internal movements and stimulation.
- Give yourself moments of relaxation where you will use your five senses: take a hot bath, listen to your favorite music or enjoy a good meal.
- Stay attentive to the signals sent by your body: emotions, pain, fatigue, etc. This will help you identify and satisfy your needs, without trying to sublimate them.
Second habit: simplify your life
To be fully present and available in the present moment, it may be necessary to get rid of unnecessary sources of distraction or stress. Simple rituals, such as cleaning or tidying your desk, will allow you to better focus on the present moment:
- Sort through your personal items regularly so as not to clutter up with memories or items that collect dust. You will benefit from a clean and calming space.
- Limiting the use of social media is also a good tip to preserve your attention. try favor offline activities (reading, board games) or plan meetings with friends.
Extra tip: take the time to cook
The pleasure of cooking is often neglected due to lack of time or energy. However, it remains an excellent way to reconnect with the present moment by carefully preparing tasty dishes. Indeed, cooking mobilizes all our senses: smells, flavors, textures, colors… In addition, sharing home-cooked meals strengthens bonds with loved ones while nourishing our body and mind.
Habit Three: Cultivate Gratitude
Gratitude is a positive emotion that involves recognizing and appreciating the things you have in your life, without trying to compare them to others or improve them. Regular expression of feelings of gratitude allows you to anchor your attention on the precious things of the present moment..
- To integrate this habit into your daily life, start by keep a gratitude journal. Every evening, write down three things you are grateful for.
- Express yourself directly with the people concerned: thank them for their help, advice or support. You will thus revive the bond that unites you and develop a real dynamic of exchange.
- Don’t hesitate to increase your gestures of love towards nature or animals, by planting a tree or stroking a cat.
Bonus: read inspiring texts
Practicing gratitude requires patience and perseverance. To strengthen your motivation, surround yourself with inspiring quotes that you can reread regularly. For example, “There is only one way to settle permanently in our heart, and that is to enter in such good graces that we are not asked to leave” (Seneca).
Fourth habit: practicing mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness is based on the simple but powerful principle of pay full attention to the present moment, without judgment or self-talk. Here are some ideas to get started:
- Practice breathing exercises regularly : take 5 minutes to focus on your breath and each phase of inhalation and exhalation.
- Challenge yourself to maintain your attention on an object or activity for several minutes. For example, try meditating simply while gazing into the flames of a candle..
- During your daily activities (meals, travel), refocus on the associated sensations rather than sinking into daydreaming.
Suggestion: spend time alone with yourself
Quiet moments, without external distractions, are precious for developing one’s ability to live in the present moment. They allow us to open up to the subtleties of the life around us and to fully savor each moment.
By adopting these 4 simple habits, it is possible to break the cycle of daydreams and cultivate your attentive presence on a daily basis. Try them and discover for yourself their benefits for your quality of life!
