by Celes Alasco
Published May 15, 2025
(5 min read)
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In today's fast-paced society, a constant hustle and bustle can take a toll on both our mental and physical health.
But there’s a powerful, yet simple solution to this modern-day dilemma: mindfulness.
Mindfulness is more than just a buzzword; it's a practice that can transform your life by learning to shift yourself in the present moment.
But don’t worry! It doesn't have to be time-consuming or difficult.
Here are four mindful practices that you can start with, to help improve mental clarity and focus:
1. Start Writing Your Daily Gratitude Journal
I remember my younger years when I was way too excited to become an adult. I bet we all agree that the excitement that we felt is because we couldn’t wait any longer to decide on our own, no permissions asked, go home without curfews, and fewer “no” for an answer from our parents.
But here we are, becoming overwhelmed by a lot of things--your bills, your relationship, your work, bringing something to the table, becoming responsible for your health, and etc.
And it felt like we are rushing all these things at the same time.
Now, what helps me to slow it down? A friend of mine gifted me with a “gratitude journal notebook.”
It just asked me 3 things. First, list down the things that you are grateful for today. Next is what are the things that you look forward to. And last is, what can you do to make this day worthwhile.
This is a powerful tool that transform my mindset and boost my well-being.
It helps me enhance my mood, reduce stress, and helps me to cultivate a more positive outlook.
When you start your daily gratitude journal, make it simple, transparent and sincere.
Grab My Digital Gratitude and Manifestation Journal here.
2. Listening To The Tune Of Your Breathing
It’s so easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information bombarding us--daily.
Heard of panic attacks? Anxiety? Depression? Most of the people who suffer from this find it hard to breathe. And this is where mindful breathing practice could save us.
A daily breathing exercise helps us shut down those negative thoughts, giving us the power to control our thoughts and emotions. It is like a mental reset button. The good news is, that it can be done anywhere, anytime.
How to do it?
Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath. Inhale deep through your nostrils and exhale long through the mouth.
Please note, that the length of your exhale should be longer than the length of your inhale. And pay attention to the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body.
This simple exercise improves our attention span. It allows us to tackle tasks with greater clarity and efficiency.
This is optional, but try to incorporate this movement too.
Emotional resilience these days is a powerful asset, enabling us to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and confidence.
3. You Are How You Eat
Admit it or not, eating while browsing our social media or watching Netflix has become a habit. And sometimes, because our schedule is quite full, we keep on rushing our meals.
Unnoticeably, harming our gut health.
Now this is why we should train ourselves with mindful eating-- being present with our food.
It may seem difficult at first, especially if you are doing the old habit for years. However, embracing this new habit can be a refreshing change.
Doing this not only nourish our bodies but also cultivate a sense of calm and gratitude, making each meal a moment of peace amid the chaos.
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A brain booster for sharp memory and cognitive functions.
Now how can you do this?
The process begins by setting aside distractions, like turning off the TV or putting away your phone during meals. This helps you concentrate solely on the food in front of you, promoting a deeper appreciation for each bite.
Mindful eating involves slowly savoring each mouthful, noticing the flavors and textures, and appreciating the nourishment it provides. And it is both beneficial physically and mentally.
Moreover, if we eat mindfully, we will chew our food better. And if we chew our food better, our stomach will digest the food better, distributing the nutrients that our body needs.
So the next time that you feel that you are cycling back to your old habits, remember this:
Rushing your meals can contribute to constipation. Poor digestion can harm our bodies.
Taking this new action also fosters a greater sense of gratitude for the food we eat.
4. Step Out Of The Room And Mindfully Walk In Meditation
When was the last time you spend time in walking?
I know, this is the generation of online booking for Taxi/MC. One click away and you have a driver to your choice of destination. Especially when you are again--rushing.
Seldom do we walk, because our brain is mostly telling us to save time. However the pressure that we feel from these busy world is definitely affecting our sanity.
In case you find yourself wanting to calm your mind, as well as your body, you might want to try a mindful walking.
It is a kind of meditation where you focus on physical act of walking. Giving your full attention to the movement, balance, and sensations in your body.
It redirects your awareness to the simple act of placing one foot in front of the other, creating a mental space where worries about the past or future fade away. A state of presence, where you allow yourself to appreciate the present moment without distraction.
To do this, begin with finding a quiet space where you can walk uninterrupted. Stand still, take deep breaths, and ground yourself in the moment.
As you walk slowly, focus on each step, noticing the sensation of your feet touching the ground. Keep your pace steady and your mind focused on the movement. If your thoughts wander, gently bring your attention back to your feet.
To enrich your walking meditation, you can also repeat a calming phrase with each step, reinforcing a positive mindset.
This rhythmic movement of walking, can also enhance concentration and cognitive function, providing a mental boost throughout your day.
It’s time to take control of your mental landscape, find peace in the moment, and unlock the true potential of your mind and body.
Remember, the journey towards mindfulness is personal and unique to each individual. It is not about escaping reality but about fully inhabiting it with grace and intention. It’s about cultivating a mindset that empowers you to face life’s challenges with resilience and clarity.
Your mind is so powerful. Stay and make the most of the present!