In the age of technology, it can be extremely difficult to live in the moment. We’re all surrounded by the never-ending stream of media, news, images, and noise. This isn’t always a bad thing, but every once in a while, it’s healthy to unplug yourself from the loop and live in the moment.
At IV Revival, we’re dedicated to your overall health and wellness, which is why today’s blog is filled with self-care tips you may want to integrate into your daily routine so you can live in the moment each day.
Why Is Living in the Moment Important?
Being plugged into the world at all times can cause a lot of emotional, physical, and mental stress. Learning how to take yourself out of the day-to-day media grind can drastically reduce stress and anxiety, which may also reduce your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.
Improve Your Relationships
Have you ever been with someone who is physically present, but mentally they’re a million miles away? We’ve all tried to talk to someone who is gaming or on their phone and felt like we’re talking to a brick wall. On the flip side of that, we’ve all been guilty of doing that too.
This can negatively affect relationships. Living in the moment can help you feel more connected to the person you’re with, thus strengthening the relationship. Think of it this way: you are putting down your phone is telling the other person that they are more important than your technology and that you prefer their company to a screen.
By living in the moment, you can be that person other people enjoy being with, and you make relationships much easier.
Greater Self-Control
Living in the moment can improve your self-control. It helps slow your mind and calm anxieties about missing a text and gives you tangible evidence that you do not need to worry about your fear of missing out, because you can have just as much fun living in the moment.
How to Live in the Moment
The biggest piece of advice we can give you for living in the moment is enjoying the little things in life. The sun on your back, the breeze in your hair, the taste of your favorite ice cream on a hot day, and the tantalizing tune of your favorite song; they all play a part in your happiness and enjoying them to their fullest is important.
It may not seem like much, but those will be the moments you remember most at the end of the day. They’ll help you ground yourself, to unwind after a stressful moment, or to put a smile back on your face if you cultivate those positive experiences.
Perform Random Acts of Kindness
Be kind. Instead of rushing by or judging someone for slowing down your day, live in the moment and spread kindness instead of stress. Be spontaneous and compliment someone, smile at them or greet them, or pay it forward by paying for a stranger’s coffee or lunch.
One of the easiest lessons for how to live in the moment is to do something for someone else without expecting anything in return. It not only helps you live in the moment but improves that moment for you and someone else.
Give Thanks
Be thankful for what you have and what you’re able to experience every day. It may sound easy, but in reality, people often beat themselves up over the little things. It’s the one mistake or off-hand comment that ruins a day. Instead, try to think positively and be grateful that someone was there to help you work through the mistake, or that you learned why something you said was wrong to say.
On top of that, take stock of the good moments and be thankful for them. Did a friend make you smile? Did your favorite song come on Spotify? Did your boss give you positive feedback on your work? When you think about it or feel it, say it right then. Live in the moment by expressing your gratitude when you feel it.
Put Down Your Phone
The dreaded tip. You were waiting for it, weren’t you? You can’t live in the moment if you’re focusing on something else. You can’t fully enjoy your cup of coffee if your other hand is scrolling through social media. You can’t enjoy the view in your office if your eyes are on your computer. You can’t enjoy cooking with your family if Netflix is holding your attention more than the recipe.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying some screen time, but it should be done in moderation. So put down your phone (after you finish this blog, we’re almost done!), slow down, and savor the present. You’ll thank yourself for it at the end of the day.