6 Ways to Practice Mindfulness Every Day

Let's be honest, life can feel like a blur sometimes. We have so many responsibilities between work and family, and the million little tasks we have to get through each day. Because of this it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly on autopilot. Have you ever caught yourself getting to the end of the day, wondering, "What did I even do today?", or even driven to a destination and thought “How did I get here?” - these can be some scary thoughts as we realize we are just going through the motions of life, and maybe not really experiencing each moment. 

That’s where mindfulness comes in. 

Mindfulness does not have to be this daunting task where you have to sit still for hours on end (unless you want to). Mindfulness can be more about just learning to pause, be present in the moment, and actually experience AND enjoy what’s happening. 

How do we actually do that? I want to give you six simple, everyday ways to practice mindfulness - so you can start today, and not delay this idea of ‘mindfulness’ due to how much it haunts you. Remember, this is not hours of meditation, these are just little shifts you can make in your routine to feel more grounded, clear-headed, and calm. They really could make a world of difference in your everyday life. 

1. Notice Your Breath

This might sound too simple, but seriously—how often do we actually stop and just breathe? Life moves fast, and our breathing becomes quick and shallow when we’re stressed. Taking a few deep breaths can really help shift your day onto a more present trajectory. 

Take a few seconds to focus on your breath. Stop whatever it is you’re doing, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Just three deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Focus on how the air feels entering your lungs, then slowly let it out. It’s so simple, but it works.

2. Meditation

Meditation doesn’t have to be sitting cross-legged for an hour, it can be short and sweet and you can still reap a lot of benefits. You don’t need to be a pro or have loads of free time to get the benefits. Even just five minutes can work wonders.

Take 5 minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath. You can even use guided meditation apps like Calm or Headspace. This 5 minute habit can help you start the day feeling centered. Also, don’t put too much pressure on yourself, if your mind wanders, just gently bring it back to your breath. 

3. Observe Your Thoughts (Without judgment)

We all have that inner critic - the one that makes us doubt ourselves or feel bad about something. Mindfulness can help you step back and observe your thoughts without letting them take over. Next time you catch yourself in a negative thought loop, pause. Acknowledge the thought, but don’t judge yourself for it. Just observe it and let it go - this can give you more power over your mind.

4. Engage Your Senses

One of the easiest ways to stay mindful is by tuning into your senses—smell, touch, taste, sight, sound. Focusing on these simple sensations helps you get out of your head and back into the moment. Next time you’re eating lunch or taking a walk, engage your senses. Focus on what you’re tasting, feeling, hearing, or seeing. Even something as simple as noticing the colors in your food can bring you back to the present moment. This can literally take you seconds. 

5. Listen

How often are we in a conversation but our minds are somewhere else, thinking about what we need to say next or checking our phones? We miss so much by not being fully present with the people around us.

Next time you’re talking with a friend, maybe start putting your phone away and give them your full attention. Not only does it make the conversation more meaningful, but it will help you feel more connected. So, just listen. Pay attention to their words, expressions, and the energy they bring. You’ll be surprised at how much deeper your connections can get.

6. Learn Something New

There’s something about learning a new skill that forces you to be in the moment. Maybe its trying a new hobby or reading up on something you’ve been curious about. Learning quickly pulls your focus into the now. Why not try picking something you’ve been wanting to learn: a new recipe, a craft, or even just reading about a topic you’ve always found interesting. Engaging your curiosity naturally helps you practice mindfulness.

There we have it, 6 things you can implement into your day. And as you can see, mindfulness doesn’t have to be a big, complicated thing. It’s more about being more present in your everyday life. Whether it’s by taking a few deep breaths, savoring your coffee, or truly listening to a friend, these small moments add up. They help us slow down, feel more connected, and enjoy life a little more.

And one more thing, you don’t have to add all these 6 things into your day at once. Start small, maybe one a week. And soon, you will be doing it without even thinking about it.