5 Steps to A Mindful Life

Feeling like you're always on the go? Are you rushing from one activity to the next? Do you find you're multitasking on a day-to-day basis? 

If so, it's no wonder why you're feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. You're not alone! This situation is not unlike many people’s today, who find themselves rushing here, there and everywhere in the name of productivity. The drive to succeed leads Americans to cram their schedules, leaving little to no time for leisure time, healthy eating and social interaction, all of which are key to overall health and wellness.

So is it all worth it? Most likely not. The act of slowing down in life and taking time for yourself and others could make all the difference. Not only will it foster better personal and work-related relationships, but will also boost productivity and benefit your physical health, as well. 

How can you slow down? Try the following tips:

Disconnect and power down. Our constant need to check emails, messages and texts (either work related or on a personal level) leads to unneeded stress. Turn off your cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer and give yourself the needed and well deserved break!

Finding it hard to step away? While you may feel you're being more productive, in reality the obsession with work often leads to burnout and lowers overall job satisfaction and productivity. Do yourself a favor and log off from work upon leaving the building - even if only a few nights per week. You'll find yourself feeling more refreshed and ready to tack the following day's stresses.

Focus on a single task. It seems to be the norm to multitask, however, attempting to complete multiple projects at one time results in mediocre work. It can be tempting to take on several assignments at work, and perhaps unavoidable, but do your best to prioritize  and focus on one at a time. You'll find yourself less stressed and you will produce higher quality work as well. 

Adopt your kitchen. Rushing and always on the go means you are more likely to opt for the quick and easy option rather than what may be the healthier choice. No, one fast food meal or candy bar won't jeopardize your health or cause weight gain, but making these choices day in and day out will. Instead, try preplanning what you're going to eat the night before, at least a few days per week to start. Put together a lunch and a few snacks to take with you for your day.

More good news! Preparing food can actually have a therapeutic effect that will benefit you both mentally and physically. Cooking and baking activities help combat stress, anxiety and depression symptoms. Additionally, taking time to prepare nutritious meals stimulates a nurturing instinct and helps restore a healthy relationship with food.

Maintain perspective. Each day we stumble upon new problems and challenges, yet it's how we react to them that makes the difference. Even small issues, such as being 5 minutes late to meet a friend for a drink can push us over the edge.

The fact is, stressing out over the small stuff adds up, and may lead to various chronic health conditions over time. When you feel yourself getting upset or stressed about the "little" things, try to slow down and ask yourself just how much of the rest of your life will be affected by this unforeseen disaster. If the answer is less than one hour of the next 40 years or so, save your stress for something more substantial.

Downsize your thinking. Everything is super sized these days. Bigger homes, faster cars, higher salaries, etc… these lofty goals are often front and center and hard to miss. It's great to have goals and commendable to want to better yourself, but never finding satisfaction with what you have can lead to a cycle of depression.

What's a better strategy? Opt for small achievable goals that you can take your time with. It may be something as simple as exercising one day per week or making a meal from scratch, but be sure to take the time to accomplish the task at hand and congratulate yourself for a job well-done. Doing so will give you a feeling of accomplishment and more confidence to push yourself more going forward.