Happy new year to you, dear Reader! Whether you read my blog posts as a young adult, adult, teen or parent my wish for you is simple: May this year be one where you grow in your ability to be present, in the moment, and aware. Why is this my wish for you? The answer is simple (yet complex): Being present brings more joy, more fun and a sense of feeling alive! Keep reading to learn more about working on this skill in 2024.
The Covid-19 pandemic might be something of the past, but we sure have been dealt some tricky cards since then: wars, natural disasters, inflation, political unrest and the list continues. In the past year I have seen a sharp increase in anxiety in my clients, regardless of their age. It is hard not to be worried and anxious in times such as these.
“The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.” — Abraham Maslow
In this post I'd like to offer you some motivation for the new year to choose being in the present moment simply because we cannot control the outcomes of everything happening around us. Present moment awareness never means condoning what is happening around us, but rather just accepting the moment for what it is. Here are some tips on how you can practice the skill of present-moment awareness in 2024:
Feeling stressed, anxious or worried are all clear signs that we are not focusing on the present. In fact, it most likely means we are busy with what might happen in an hour, tomorrow or in a month's time! This does not mean we can never plan or prepare for future events, it just means that once we have planned or prepared, we accept that as enough and then focus on the present moment. Use your feelings as cues to bring yourself back to the here-and-now.
Make mindfulness your mate! Mindfulness is synonymous with present moment awareness. Mindfulness allows us to check-in with our bodies and minds in the here-and-now, making use of our senses. Mindfulness activities include a walk in nature, meditation, painting or drawing, cooking and many other amazing activities!
Use your breath as an anchor. Our breath is one thing that is constant, that takes place in every moment. When you notice yourself running ahead in your mind, feeling stressed, anxious or worried, turn your focus to your breath. See if you can take 2 minutes to take some deep breaths. Put one hand on your belly and feel how your breath moves through your body. Doing this will help you get out of your head and back into the present moment.
Practicing this skill holds many benefits, but one of the biggest, I think, is to help us embrace and enjoy what life gives us every day!
Best wishes for the year ahead,
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