6 Ways to Increase Mindfulness During Lockdown
Trying to stay positive during a pandemic is no easy feat. In fact, some days it feels impossible. And firstly, in this way, it’s so important not to put pressure on yourself when daily life can be so stressful. Some days you’ll feel fine, others worse but that ebb and flow are natural – no one can feel happy all the time and this is especially true during Covid.
Focusing on the here and now can be very useful on the harder days, and this is where mindfulness comes in. Mindfulness refers to our innate ability to be focused and present in a relaxed and nonjudgmental way. Below we’ve gathered some tips on how you can increase your mindfulness as we wait for the lockdown to life.
Embrace Silence
Sometimes, just sitting on the couch in complete silence – forgoing any TV or radio background noise – is just what you need to refocus your mind. You’ll learn that silence is never silent so use the sounds that emerge from the quiet as part of your awareness practice. Allow any feelings of anxiousness that may arise when you forgo the usual distractions to come to the surface, then let them go, take a deep breath and just let your mind and body relax in the stillness.
Remember your Breathing
A great place to start with mindfulness is with some basic breathing exercises. Take one minute out of your day to sit and focus on your breath. Notice the air going in and out of your nostrils as your chest rises and falls. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to focus on your breathing. It brings you back to the present and acts as a de-stressor too.
Take Time Out
New studies suggest that we’re working longer hours thanks to the (likely temporary) ceasing of the office commute but it’s so important to remember that you still need to take those vital breaks. Without breaking, the brain never gets time to rest and refresh, and opportunities to reflect and gain new insight are lost. Take a walk, eat well, stretch – just remember to leave your desk for even a short time.
Set Technology Boundaries
With all of the media at our fingertips, we can easily suddenly feel frazzled thanks to an information overload. Set boundaries for screen time – with designated times for social networking (even set an alarm) – and do your best to keep mobile devices out of reach at bedtime. You need to unwind and decompress at the end of each day and mindlessly scrolling through your phone will have the opposite effect.
Remember Nature
Take walks through a park, the woods, mountain trails or by the beach – wherever you can be outside. Walking and wandering is good for body, mind and spirit, and keeps you in the present. It also helps spur on your creativity; an at-ease mind leaves room for new ideas. Our handmade candle Foraoise will remind you of those woody walks.
Light A Candle (or two!)
VIPASA’s beautiful hand-made, carefully-crafted candles will fill your home and senses with beautiful fragrances created to soothe your mind. Generally, candles are known as typical stress-relievers and have been known to increase the effectiveness of anxiety reduction. As an added bonus, all ingredients have been sourced with sustainability at the fore and their innovative wax has been engineered with a unique blend of three natural waxes: Coconut, Rapeseed and Soy – this ensures a long-lasting and fragrant burn.
