It’s fantastic living in the moment; but I only seem to manage to do it when playing or competing in sport – when in ‘flow state‘.
In practical terms, it is very tricky to be 100% mindful at home, and especially in work…but I think it can be done.
You just need to be very organised; if you know everything you need to get done is ‘in a system’ that you adhere to everyday, then you can relax, or at least focus 100% on the task in hand.
If you don’t have a ‘system’, then you’re constantly worrying about whether or not you’ve missed something…
I’ve made an attempt to do this recently, here are some tips on both Mindfulness & organisation:
- Have a “Family to-do book” at home. Rather than telling your partner, and vice versa, stuff that needs to be done over-dinner, or when you’ve just stepped in from work – put it in a book that’s next to your seat in the lounge or somewhere easily accessible. Have a quick review of it each night. This stops you from getting it in the throat for ‘not listening’ and not having done A and B at the weekend.
- Make a list of 3 things that need to be done each day and label them A, B and C in terms of priorities.
- Have a list of everything that you need to get done in 1 place. I’ve been guilty in the past of writing tasks down in loads of different places. It’s much easier if everything organised in 1 place
- Turn the radio off in the car on the way home. This helps you from not feeling ‘over-stimulated’ when you walk in at home.
- Try and focus 100% on whatever you are doing. If you are doing the dishes, stop rushing it, focus on the task at hand, feel the water and plates etc. “Nothing is more important or enjoyable as the now”
Meditate – focus on your breathing, and keep bringing the focus back, as the mind wanders (which it will).
If you can’t meditate for any reason, just be mindful whenever possible. For example; when typing, focus on the feeling of the keys when you touch them.
Small Business Dad 