How to add mindfulness to your routine

As we approach one year since the first Covid-19 lockdown, we’re all still struggling to balance home schooling, working from home and economic stress. However it’s important not to let pandemic anxiety overwhelm you. That’s where mindfulness comes in.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the act of paying attention to the present moment. Taking a moment to pause your busy life to focus on your feelings and the world around you. This self-awareness will give you a sense of being grounded and can improve your mental wellbeing. It’s important to reconnect with our feelings and surroundings to gain a wider perspective. 

Becoming more aware of our surroundings can help us enjoy life more, and see beauty in the everyday. This makes it easier to deal with stress and anxiety.

How can you add mindfulness to your daily routine?

Here at TEA+, we believe in the power of routine. Adding time for mindfulness to your daily routine will boost your mental wellbeing and help you process stress better. Mindfulness is a very personal experience. What works for somebody may not work for you, so it’s important to experiment and find a way to be mindful that suits your lifestyle.

Traditionally, mindfulness is the process of stopping and paying attention to your breathing and your surroundings. Inhale and exhale, counting how long you hold your breath. Notice the sun on your face, or the grass under your feet. Feel grounded in the moment.

Some people find this difficult. You may have anxious thoughts interrupting your attempts to focus on the present moment. That’s okay, don’t give up. Mindful activities can distract you from anxiety by giving you something easy and enjoyable to focus on instead. Yoga, painting, walking, baking, knitting, sewing and calligraphy are great examples. These activities require enough attention to block out your anxiety, but not enough focus to cause more stress. 

For example, yoga can help with developing awareness of your breathing. It’s a gentle activity that boosts your physical and mental health. Developing moment-by-moment awareness of your breathing and the movements of your body is essential for yoga, and you can apply these skills to your daily life.