INSIDE: Want to know how to be more present, experience inner peace, and feel more content? To obtain these things, it's important to prioritize self-care and develop healthy habits that support your overall well-being. Discover how here!

 

Humans seek joy, peace, and stability in their lives because they are basic human wants and needs. Unfortunately, many of us often struggle with feeling disconnected and frustrated, which can lead to physical and mental health issues, relationship problems, and general dissatisfaction with life.

We all possess the power to improve our condition, strengthen our relationships, and build a whole and meaningful life for ourselves. All it takes is effort, consistency, and a plan for how to be more present, and then how to stay present in the moment.

How to Be More Present

Whether it's a beautiful sunset or a heartfelt conversation with a loved one, when we practice mindfulness, we develop a greater sense of well-being, inner peace, and fulfillment. 

To begin the task of being more present, start by carving out time each day for mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing. This allows you to develop greater awareness and focus, which can then be incorporated into your daily activities.

Our favorite excuse when we fail to do something is that we didn’t have the time to do it, so by organizing your time for these activities ahead of time, chances for success are increased.

Another practice that answers the question of how to be more present is actively listening and avoiding distractions and judgments when dealing with others.

The most effective way to become more present is to take time to appreciate the little moments of joy and beauty in your life. Fully participate in your daily activities and develop a greater sense of well-being, inner peace, and fulfillment.  

12 Ways to Be Present in Your Life

It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and miss out on the simple joys and pleasures that surround us. By learning how to be more present and appreciative, we can cultivate a greater sense of happiness, fulfillment, and connection in our daily lives.

Here are 12 tips to help you do that...

Drop the Urge to Multitask

When you have quite a few tasks to accomplish, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, but taking the time to identify what is most important can help you feel more in control. Order your tasks by importance and take care of the most pressing ones first.

Another tip is to get rid of as many distractions as possible. Turning off phones and computer notifications for an hour can create an atmosphere of tranquility.

Be Like a Detective

If you want to know how to be more present and aware of your surroundings, you can start practicing mindfulness, which is about being fully present and engaged in the moment without judgment. This allows you to see details and be more aware of your surroundings.

Doing this while engaging in a conversation means listening intently to what the person is saying instead of waiting for your turn to state your opinions. 

While alone, this can be done by challenging yourself to pay attention to the details around you, such as the colors of the leaves on the trees and the patterns and textures on buildings.

With time and practice, you can become more agile and conscious. 

Do 5-Minute Meditations Throughout the Day

Incorporating five minutes of meditation into your daily routine can help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote overall wellness. This is one of the easiest ways to be present. Simply use a planned or unplanned break in your day as an opportunity to meditate.

For example, when you take a break between meetings or classes, sit quietly for a few minutes and focus on your breathing. Keep in mind that you probably won’t be in the best location for meditation, so keep it simple and just try to find a comfortable, undisturbed spot.

Try to meditate at the same time each day. Completing this task regularly increases your chances of sticking to it.

Remember, meditation is an exercise. Don’t judge or discourage yourself if you're having trouble staying focused. With practice, knowing how to be more present gets easier over time.

Take Time to Express Gratitude in the Moment

Expressing gratitude in the moment can be a powerful way to cultivate a positive mindset and increase feelings of happiness and contentment. To do this, pause and reflect when you experience something positive. Take a deep breath and savor the moment.

Once you've paused and reflected, take the time to acknowledge the good. This could be as simple as saying "thank you" out loud or silently to yourself. You might also take a moment to appreciate the people or circumstances that contributed to the positive experience.

If you're having trouble remembering to express gratitude in the moment, try some planned acts of gratitude. Consider sharing your gratitude with others by sending a thank you note or telling someone how much you appreciate them face to face. This can help strengthen your relationships and foster a sense of connection.

Be More Intentional

Being intentional is about living your life with purpose and making deliberate choices that align with your values and goals. When practicing how to be more present, you need to know what's important to you. Reflect on your values and what matters most to you in life. This can help guide your choices and actions.

Once you have a clear sense of your values, set some goals that align with those values. Set goals, create a plan to help break down those goals into smaller, actionable steps, and set deadlines for each step. That can help you stay organized and on track. Having a clear sense of what you're working towards can help you stay focused and motivated.

After the plan is made, regularly evaluate your progress and reflect on whether your actions are aligned with your values. This can help you make adjustments as needed and stay on track.

Turn Inward Instead of Turning to Social Media

Using mobile phones and social media to kill time is common, but it's important to realize that this habit can negatively impact your overall health.

To get this habit under control, when free time arises, set an intention that relates to how to be more present and spend that time “living” instead of unconsciously turning your attention to the phone in an attempt to “kill” time.

Sometimes you may want to take a deep breath or simply close your eyes and give them a rest. Whatever your technique is for intention setting, make sure it’s done early enough so that most of your free time can be used.

If you have a little more time, practice mindfulness by listening to your senses and observing what is happening around you. Take a few deep breaths, notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you, and be present in the moment. No judgment, just observing.

Quiet time is never better than when it is spent with self-reflection and introspection. Instead of scrolling through social media, spend your time reading or listening to something inspiring, like your own goals and dreams. Break the habit and use this time to nourish your mind, body, and spirit instead. 

Choose Exercise That is More Mindful 

Yoga, tai chi, hiking in nature, and other mindful movements are will all get you on your way to knowing how to be more present and improve not only your physical health but your mental and emotional health as well.

Yoga emphasizes mindfulness by practicing yoga poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation, you can increase your body awareness, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve flexibility and strength by regularly practicing yoga. Try chakra yoga!

Hiking in nature is a great way to connect with the natural world and be in harmony with your surroundings. As you walk, absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of your surroundings and be present in the moment. This helps reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase feelings of well-being.

In addition to yoga and tai chi, pilates, dancing, and mindful walking while paying attention to your breath and body sensations can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Take your time exploring different practices and find what resonates with you. Remember to focus on yourself and the moment.

Tune Into How Your Body Feels

Tuning into the frequency and vibration of our bodies is an essential part of achieving optimal health and making informed choices about diet and lifestyle. After we do, we become more aware of hunger, fullness signals, and food intolerances. Many of us have food sensitivities we may be unaware of, which can lead to bloating, indigestion, fatigue, or other ailments.

Another strategy for how to be more present is to pay attention to how you feel after eating. This makes it possible to more easily identify problem foods and eliminate them from your diet. It also helps us cope with stress and emotional eating.

Create Morning & Evening Rituals

Morning rituals help set a positive mood for the day ahead. Afterward, you can continue your day with intent and purpose so you can feel more motivated and focused throughout the day.

Evening rituals can help you relax and relieve stress after a long day and they let your body know it's time to get ready for sleep. A nightly ritual can also help improve sleep quality. By creating a healthy routine that encourages relaxation and tells your body it's time to rest, you can fall asleep easier and sleep more deeply.

Morning and evening rituals can also be a form of self-care, allowing you to prioritize your own well-being and nurture your mind and body.

Focus on Listening More That Talking

Being a better listener is one of the most effective ways to be present. It helps strengthen connections and understanding with people, which can greatly improve our personal and professional connections.

Furthermore, it also allows us to pick up ideas, viewpoints, and knowledge that we would have missed if we weren't paying attention to fully comprehend what people are saying.

Through better decision-making and problem-solving skills, we can enhance our relationships and quality of life. 

Let Yourself Feel Your Feelings

While it may be tempting to avoid negative emotions, allowing yourself to fully experience them can actually help you get over them faster. When you notice negative emotions arising, observe them without judgment and let them go. Remember that all emotions are temporary.

Additionally, you can try journaling or talking to a trusted friend, but be sure to keep the conversation positive and don’t fall into the trap of unnecessary complaining.

By embracing, rather than avoiding, negative emotions, you can increase your emotional resilience and well-being. 

Do Things That Make You Flow

Engaging in activities that put us in a calm and fluid state has many benefits for our mental and emotional well-being. Hobbies and activities that you seem to lose track of time doing are the best candidates to find this flow state.

Engage in mentally relaxing activities, like drawing, gardening, writing, or anything that lets you focus fully on the present moment and let go of distractions and worries.

Set aside time for these activities in your daily or weekly routine and prioritize them like any other important task. Enjoy the experience and fully immerse yourself in the task at hand and continue to be open to learning how to be more present.

Final Thoughts

These strategies were curated to help you increase your happiness and reach your goals. Personal growth and transformation is an ongoing process, and there's always room for improvement and refinement.

By consistently standing up for yourself and making conscious choices that align with your values ​​and goals, you can build a life that is authentic, purposeful, and rewarding.

Whether your goal for practicing mindfulness is improving focus and productivity, building meaningful relationships, or increasing joy and fulfillment in everyday life, the key is to focus on your journey of self-discovery and growth and learn how to stay present in the moment as consistently as possible.

* Crystals and stones should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Please read our full disclaimer notice here.