I’ve always struggled to live ‘in the moment’. Life is too hectic to bother about ‘being present’.
I combine a job with family life, hobbies, helping others, keeping up with friends and I exercise every day. Mindfulness is low on my to do list.
The NHS has prescribed the nation 5 steps to health and well-being; Give back, Keep Learning, Connect with others, Keep Active and Be Mindful. I achieve the first four (well, just about).
Most of my adult life I’ve lived in a state of ‘comfortable overload’, – that is, I function on having too much to do. Setting time aside to be mindful when I’d rather be doing other activities is a challenge and, quite frankly, isn’t mindfulness a little indulgent?
Recently, my personal trainer suggested I have a rest day. “We shouldn’t exercise everyday – it’s counterproductive” she told me. “Our bodies need rest to repair and replenish so we can strengthen and grow.”
Ok fair enough, injuries are becoming increasingly prevalent in my creaky mid-century body so maybe it’s not such an unreasonable idea. What concerned me more was how my mind take the news. I doubted whether not doing much would repair and replenish my active psyche!
Logic prevailed and I decided to at least attempt a slowdown. True to the NHS step of ‘Keep Learning’, I was curious to discover what ‘being present’ felt like. So, on a designated ‘rest day’ I go for a gentle stroll (which is allowed – you don’t need to be completely sedentary to feel the benefits apparently!). Take my hand readers…
It’s a sunny day in Spring; I’m here walking solo with my phone switched off.
The following happens:
- I sense the need to inhale the fresh air into my lungs
- I hear nature, the breeze rustling the leaves, the hum of winged insects, humans chatting, birds chirping
- I ‘snap’ picture perfect landscapes with my eyes, not my phone
- I feel the warmth of the sun on my cheeks
- I smile at other solo strollers
And then I start to…
- Contemplate moments which have inspired me
- Consider life’s positivity
- Slowly restore faith in humanity (which hangs on a knife edge when I hear negative news)
- Think creatively – what will I make, paint, write, achieve, learn next?
- Realise my to do list does not dictate my day
I return from my restful activity with an increase in energy, ready to start the new week. My mind has achieved a Couch to 5k just by enjoying a pleasant amble! In a physical sense I’ve relaxed and revived my muscles and from a mental perspective my mind has undergone a massage …and how good that feels!
Wake up blog readers, here’s the science bit. According to Emily and Amelia Nagoski’s book Burnout: The Secret to Solving the Stress Cycle, 42% is the minimum percentage of time our body and brain need to rest (10 hours per day) which suggests we should do a daily 2-hour brain workout if we factor 8 hours sleep into the equation.
Pausing for mindfulness doesn’t come naturally but if I can train my body then surely, I can gently motivate my mind to follow suit? By putting ‘rest’ higher up on my to do list, I can improve my ability to cope with stress, reduce the risk of burnout, and enhance my overall well-being. The challenge will be finding the time.
Mindfulness isn’t a walk in the park – it’s a seismic change in priorities but one worth pursuing. Goals will need to budge to ensure ‘being present’ is regularly scheduled and I’ll need to shift my perception of mindfulness from a luxury to a necessity.
For more information:
How mindfulness can be achieved at community halls (Village Halls Week article)
