10 Inspiring Habits of Mindful People
It was not so long ago since people started making a buzz about mindfulness. Many of us regard it as the ‘magic cure’ for stress and burnout, and the antidote to heart disease, mental health disorders and so on. These claims even get more popular as scientists started to provide evidences that mindfulness really does promote health in many special ways.
Now, we see many people practising mindfulness exercises, from the rich and famous down to ordinary individuals – everyone seems to be hooked into this ancient practice.
But beyond the buzz – what does it really take to be mindful?
The following are the habits of highly mindful people and how paying attention to the present moment keep them calmer, happier and healthier
They practise creativity.
Mindfulness and creativity go hand in hand. Mindfulness practice boosts creativity while engaging and challenging creative activities can lead the mind to a state of flow and heightened awareness. Many artists, thinkers and other creative individuals make use of mindfulness meditation as a way to sustain their creativity.
They take tasks one at a time.
Whilst multitasking appears to be a tool for productivity, it’s really not. The truth is that multitasking is the enemy of focus. Studies have found that when people are interrupted and dividing their attention, it takes them 50 per cent longer to accomplish a task and they’re 50 per cent more likely to make errors. Rather than multitasking, it is much better to take tasks one at a time. Once you’ve finished with one task, take a break. Let your mind and body regain their energy. And then proceed to the next one.
They seek out new experiences.
Mindful people look forward to having new experiences. They just don’t settle in what makes them feel comfortable. They know that although there’s an uncertainty, there are more opportunities waiting with every challenge they encounter. At the same time, new experiences make them even more mindful.
They disconnect.
Too much technology use keeps us from truly connecting with others. Mindful people know when not to check their phone. They always allocate time to disconnect from the social media and allow for quietness and awareness of the present moment. And when they are with the people they love, they make sure to give their 100% attention to them. Through being mindful, they develop and maintain stronger connections in all their relationships.
They get outside.
Spending time in nature is one of the most powerful ways to unplug and allow your mind to just be. Research has found that being outdoors can relieve stress, while also improving energy levels, memory and attention.
They meditate.
Whilst we can be mindful without meditating, a wealth of research shows that practising meditation is one of the best ways to be mindful. Not only that, regular practice has been proven to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and boost well-being. It can even alter your gene expression, and lower your body’s inflammatory response. As a result, you get healthier and more resistant to diseases!
They give time for humour.
Mindful people aren’t too serious about life. They understand the value of humour and laughter. Most of the reasons why we feel distracted and unfocused are internal – the worries, and negative thoughts and emotions that keep playing over and over again in our mind. A study by the University of California Berkeley and University of Zurich found that the ability to laugh at ourselves can make use more cheerful, boost our mood, and increase our sense of humour.
They let their minds wander.
Whilst mindfulness is all about focusing on the moment, allowing your mind to wander is essential for your mental health too. In a research published in The Psychology of Learning and Motivation, it was found that if we’re always in the moment, we’re going to miss out on important connections between our own inner mind-wandering thoughts and the outside world.
They listen to their body.
Mindful people have the habit of listening to their bodies. So when they eat, they just don’t eat. They eat with awareness. They pay attention to the taste, texture and smell of the food and all other sensations associated with such activity. This makes them even healthier as they are aware of what things harm their body and what nourish it. When at work, they know when their body needs to rest and they don’t deprive themselves of it. Your body has a lot to say. Just listen to it and you’ll know what it needs.
They acknowledge their emotions.
Even the most mindful people feel bad at times. They get angry, sad, and anxious. But what sets them apart from others is that they don’t deny these emotions. Rather, they acknowledge and accept them, and utilise positive techniques to feel better again.
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