10 Ways To Stay Mindful This Easter
It’s the Easter weekend, and we finally have a chance to stop and breath. Many of us have time off work, and take a moment to catch up with family and relax. But if you’re anything like me, your mind doesn’t switch off.
If I’m not careful, I carry the stress and deadlines from work into the holiday weekend. And what is meant to be a sacred and restful time turns into an inconvenience.
Do you feel the same way? It is a challenge to compartmentalise work and rest, but it’s essential for our health. But it’s easier said than done! With access to our phone 24/7 and racing thoughts, the stress of life can overwhelm even the most delightful Easter egg hunt!
We can change the work and rest rhythm of our minds by practicing mindfulness. This helps us to centre our bodies, be present, and let go of expectations.
This long weekend, make the choice to practice some or all of these activities to still your mind and body. It will reduce your stress, improve your physical and mental health, and strengthen your relationships.
10 mindful practices you can use over the Easter break
Timeframe: 2 minutes or less
During an activity, pause and reflect on what you are feeling, seeing and experiencing. Commit the moment to memory, like a photograph.
Stretch out your body, and feel the tension releasing from your muscles.
Write down an affirmation, and repeat it to yourself through the day. Examples could be, “I am present here and now,” “My worth is not dependent on my productivity,” or “This moment is enough.”
Timeframe: 15 minutes or less
Set time aside to practice guided meditation or mindfulness. Use an app like Headspace, or search for something on YouTube that will guide you through your thoughts and deep breathing.
Go for a walk or run in nature. While you are doing this, take note of your five senses. What can you see, hear, smell, taste and feel?
Put your phone aside for a short period, and set it on silent. Commit to being present in the moment without checking your phone for a period of time.
Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal, or just list what you did that day. This will allow you to reflect on the present.
Time frame: 30 minutes +
Delete your social media apps for the weekend, and instead of chronicling what you are doing, focus on making memories.
Ask a family member or close friend to choose any activity - be it going for an ice cream, watching a movie, or playing cricket. Then turn your phone off and focus on spending quality time with them.
Have some “you” time, and do something that fills your cup - read a book, see a friend, go for a hike, or catch a movie. Don’t set any goals or outcomes (unless that makes you happy), just let yourself enjoy the activity.