Mindfulness Tips For Your Daily WFH Routine

As the second wave hits the nation with its major adversities we find ourselves returning to the comfort of our homes.  With this abrupt change, we find ourselves struggling to establish a routine that contributes to a healthy and mindful lifestyle. In times like these where our physical movement has been compromised, we need to focus on the growth and development of our mental health,  we need to center our energy on building a mindful routine that contributes to a much healthier lifestyle.

We spoke to Mr. Manish Behl, India’s leading mindfulness expert, teacher and coach and the founder of Mindful Science Centre and the Mindfulness India Summit, to give some insight on what mindfulness is and how you can practice some tips to remain focused and productive during this time.

Photo: Katerina Jerabkova

What Is Mindfulness?

“Mindfulness starts at the time we wake up. It’s all around us”, says Manish. Mindfulness simply is the ability to be aware and observe things around you. It allows you to pay attention to the present moment and understand what is occurring within and outside of you (thoughts, emotions, and nuances). It builds resilience which helps you to stay calm during stressful situations and adopt a positive outlook on life. It is inherent and very readily available at your disposal if nurtured and catered to daily. A mindful lifestyle lets you befriend difficult situations with compassion which allows you to truly appreciate good times.

How Can Mindfulness Enhance Your Lifestyle?

The central focus of Mindfulness is to make you understand that your thoughts don’t control your actions it is you who is in charge. It teaches you to be more aware and see things for what they are. In a time where we struggle to relax and take breaks in between hectic work calls and deadlines, where mental health is being compromised to fulfill stressful commitments, you’re under a lot of pressure. “Mindfulness intensifies your focus and helps you establish a healthy stress-free lifestyle. A mindful mind is a calm mind, it helps you rediscover yourself and redefine your strengths, and foster growth.”, explains Manish.

7 Ways To Practice Mindfulness At Home

1. Have a Fixed Routine

Photo: Plena Sergienko

Your body is used to waking up at a certain time and doing chores in a set fashion, but lately, this hasn’t been the case. It is very important to establish loose boundaries in your everyday work-from-home schedule to set a rhythm and discipline in this supposed “new normal”. It is always good to start your day at a fixed time with a healthy breakfast, daily affirmations, regular breaks, and finally a proper sleeping schedule. Set time aside for meditation and you’ll be ready to start your days with zeal and optimism.

2. Set Intentions For The Day

Photo: Ana Tavares

By enforcing negative thoughts within you’re putting yourself under unwanted pressure. Instead, try to take control of your thoughts and focus on being present in the moment by collecting your thoughts. Remember! Don’t let your mind caper to things beyond your control. Set intentions for the day, prepare a to-do list, and focus on your manifestations.

3. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Photo: Quokkabottles

Water makes up for 70% of our body and yet we seem to neglect the need for proper hydration. By staying hydrated you’re ensuring improved gut health, increased blood flow, better energy and concentration levels, cognitive thinking, improved mood hence lower levels of depression. Indulge in simple mindful hydration and see the difference.

4. Establish Healthy Eating Habits 

Photo: Hermes Rivera

With reduced physical activity you need to take utmost care of your dietary habits. These days to elevate your senses you start cooking and tend to give in to unhealthy and untimely cravings and consume a lot of carcinogenic food, this results in clogged arteries, reduced blood flow, and sluggish behavior. It is very important to eat mindfully and not only monitor what you are eating but also how you eat.

5. Create a Peaceful Environment 

Photo: Ann Danilina

By creating a harmonious environment you allow yourself to activate your concentration and clear the unwanted cobwebs of your mind. A loving atmosphere at home helps children develop basic human behaviors and skills which helps to nurture a healthy lifestyle within. An open, relaxed, and calm approach automatically cultivates a natural health-promoting environment.

6. Reboot Yourself

Photo: Gretchen Rubin

During the day when you’re feeling extremely exhausted, you should practice micro exercises such as:

• Meditation
• Stretching
• Practicing Gratitude
• Breathing Exercises
• Visualizations & Mantras
• Spending time with nature

They instantly calm you down and help reboot your system. Finally, at the end of every day, a good night’s sleep is a must. Maintain a healthy sleep cycle to make sure you’re ensuring the perfect end to a mindful day.

7. Talk to a Mindfulness Coach

Photo: Austin Distel

It is very important, especially now to reach out, a mindfulness coach provides you with the best ways to cope with stress and anxiety and helps you with tailor-made techniques to feel mindful and healthy.

By practicing these techniques at least once a day you’ll notice how healthy and relaxed you feel. A mindful mind is a healthy mind, it helps you achieve goals, intensify focus and be resilient towards challenges.