The demands of modern life can feel overwhelming. Not only are you balancing a career, but you are also trying to make time for your family. That means it can be a struggle to fit in time for mindfulness each day.
When you are busy working, then it can seem like an impossible to task to set aside a few minutes. If you do get a break, then you often feel rushed and tired. 56% of working parents already say that they find it difficult to create a work-life balance.
If your job does not give you the option to sneak off on a break to find a quiet spot for your mindfulness practice, then it is up to you to begin weaving it into your daily routines instead. When you combine your daily errands with a greater awareness of the world, it becomes easier to find the balance you need.
Here are some ways to help you discover a solution that works in your life.
1. Make a list of your usual daily routine.
Take a few minutes to write down the elements of your daily routine. That might include getting up in the morning, making coffee, getting breakfast, packing lunch, walking the dog, taking a shower, commuting in rush hour traffic, walking to the office, working in a cubicle all day, driving home, making dinner, driving to soccer practice, watching TV, reading a book, playing a game, and going to bed.
Once you have this list, you can start looking for ways to add some mindfulness moments to your routine.
2. Look for moments when you can pause.
It is not unusual for people to confuse mindfulness with meditation when they first start to seek a better work-life balance. You don’t need to fit a 20-minute session in somewhere to find peace. You only need a pause in your routine for a moment.
If you make coffee in the morning, then pause as it brews. Smell the aroma as it surrounds you. Feel the warmth of a fresh cup in your hands. Be intentional about this process, then enjoy your wake-up juice. Be present in that one moment. Then look for more options to repeat this process throughout the day.
3. Express love and affection.
If you have children, then one of the most important things you can do for them is to express love, affection, and acceptance. You can extend these qualities to the people you love as well. Mindfulness keeps you in the present. Instead of reaching for your phone to scroll through Facebook or check a text, try talking with your family instead.
4. Allow your positive emotions to grow.
Think of mindfulness in the same way you would build strength in your physical body. When you continue to practice it, then you will gain more resilience – even if it is a small weight. Your positive emotions will grow in the same way. If you can weave moments into your daily routine with consistency, then an increase in happiness and satisfaction can be the outcome you experience.
You can establish a new habit of mindfulness in as little as eight weeks if you stay committed to this process. Now is the time to begin making positive changes to your mindset. Are you ready to get started?