Daily Mindfulness Tips:

If you've read the above post, you already know that today's topic is finding the good in the little things. This is obviously a hard thing to do, as most of the time we are always on the go, thinking about the next five things we have to do. However, if we practice a few mindful things, it can make our day that much better. Below I'm going to make a list of things I don't necessarily do every day, but I'm working on it, and I thought it might help to you as well.  

1.) Make sure you're getting enough sleep. This is a major thing I didn't realize has as much of an effect on my days as it did. Once I tried changing my sleep schedule, I realized that the earlier I got to bed and slept, the better the next day was for me. For example, I was in bed by 10:00 last night, and woke up at 8:00, that's a full ten hours of sleep, and I feel tremendous. Something my mindfulness professor told me as well, is making sure you put all of your technology away at least thirty minutes before bed. I know I know, but don't knock it before you try it. Do something like draw, read a book, instead of looking at your phone of laptop. It really does help. 

2.) Walking. A lot of people think of exercise as going to the gym and max lifting, running a pr on the treadmill, or other sporty words (clearly, I don't know much about gym lingo). However, getting active isn't all that it's made out to be. Go for a walk, go mom walk on the treadmill. I know you know the one I'm talking about, the soccer mom walk, it's actually a great workout. Just getting moving like that is tremendous to help boost your mood. (Yoga is also a great way to get active). 

3.) Get outside! I feel like a lot of people think going outside is overrated, but really it isn't. Getting out in the sun and going for a silly goofy adventure can make your day so much brighter. I went on a walk with my friend a couple of days ago into town near my school, and I saw some really pretty flowers and got to see these two fountains in a park. It made me feel ten times better. So go check out some walking trails near you, or even just sit in the grass where you live and just be for a minute. 

4.) Reach out to your friends, and the people you care about. Social connections are everything when it comes to surviving and leading a happier life, so go out and make sure that you let them know how you feel about them! If you see a stranger walking and like their outfit, let them know! Don't just let the moment pass you by. Text the people you care about good morning just so they know you're thinking about them. 

5.) The last one for today is: Take some time for yourself. We tend to focus so much on others that we lose track of how we are feeling. Or maybe you do know how you feel, and you're feeling burnt out. So, take a quiet moment and do something you know you like to do. Watch an episode of your favorite show, go buy yourself that Starbucks coffee, learn that new hobby you've been meaning to get around to, or even make a blog (hint hint). Whatever it may be, just go do it! Stop waiting for the right moment, make it yourself. 

I hope at least one of these resonated with you, and that I'm not just rambling at this point. I know these things have helped me a bit, so I wanted to share. We could all be more mindful in our daily life, so just take a movement and give one of these a try. 

-Lee :)