Mindful moments, creating purpose to your day
You wake to the alarm, check the phone, scroll through emails, social media, then eventually roll out of bed (already running behind) on default mode rushing around to commence the day. Only to find yourself in a mood that you never intended on projecting to those around you. Sound familiar?
I’m sure you would agree that it’s much nicer to start your day with greater purpose and intention, for yourself and those around you. It creates the opportunity for your words, actions, and responses to be more aligned with your objectives. Then if you hit setbacks during the day, you can be more mindful and have greater emotional agility.
The hardest part will be to put down the phone (there I said it). First thing in the morning, before touching your phone, think about introducing a small practice of mindfulness:
Once you turn off the alarm, take a moment to gently wake, stretch, breathe. Take a moment to connect with your body, feel the sensations of lightness, heaviness, the bed, sheets, doona, sounds, the temperature around you.
Commence a small breath series of three nice and slow, controlled breaths. In through your nose and out through your mouth. Then breath normally. Notice any changes to your body. You may want to do this sitting up in bed so there is no temptation to fall back to sleep!
Then create purpose to your day by reflecting on some of the following questions:
“What do I want today to look like for me?”
“What is my intention for today?”
“How do I want to show up today?”
“What mindset will serve me best for today?”
“How do I need to take care of myself today?”
Sometimes it is nice to complete this reflection by using your answers to say a little affirmation for the day. Some examples:
“Today I will look after myself first, show up as my best self, have great connections”.
“Today I will let go of what I cannot control, I will create space for mindful moments, be patient with others and persevere”.
“Today I will focus on what is important to me, give myself permission to pause, have the courage to challenge/say no, take a lunch break to fuel my body and leave work on time”.
The key is to not to set and forget. Make space for a “cheeky check-in” throughout your day. Think about your reflections and affirmation. How can you bring it to life during the day? Set a reminder on your phone. Write it out on a post-it note. Whiteboard marker on your bathroom mirror.
Then reap the benefits of a mini brain break, mindset reset through your day bringing greater confidence, focus on self-care, a nicer mood, and better connections with those around you.
What can you change or add to your routine to create better purpose to your day?