Contributed by MnFIRE partner, Optum
Practicing mindful living is a great way to support your mental health and well-being. By helping you be present in the moment, mindfulness can help you feel calmer and more joyful. That’s because when you focus on the here and now, you’re less likely to stress out about the past or future. It’s also because mindfulness helps you manage your emotions as they come and go with more acceptance.
Here are a few of the many ways to add mindfulness into your daily life.
Set an intention each day
When you wake up, think about how you want to show up that day. Do you want to be kinder to yourself, more assertive in advocating for yourself, quieter, or something else? Your intention can be whatever gives you a sense of awareness and acceptance for someone (including yourself) or something. And it can be different every day. It’s all up to you.
Pause throughout the day to take in the moment
Much of our day-to-day living runs on autopilot. We get up, use the bathroom, eat breakfast, go to work, greet the same people as we pass by and so on. Instead of moving through your day on autopilot, check in from time to time and remind yourself to be present. For instance, if you sit down at a desk every day, pause and think about how your body feels. Are you well-rested? Are your shoulders relaxed? When you eat breakfast, pause with each bite. Think about the texture and taste. What do you notice? How does the food make you feel? Also, consider how these little mental breaks feel. Does it help you to slow down and enjoy yourself more in the moment?
Move your body intently
You already know the importance of staying active. To sprinkle in some mindfulness, define a purpose beyond the physical and mental health benefits you’re already going for. For example, consider how to improve the connection between your mind and body, such as by honing a skill, achieving a new benchmark or applying breathing techniques to your preferred program.
You could also choose to take up a mindfulness movement practice, such as tai chi, meditation or yoga. By design, these connect your mind and body and encourage you to be present in the moment.
Notice your emotions
It’s natural to go through a variety of feelings throughout the day. It’s less automatic to check in with yourself and take stock of your emotions. Throughout the day, pause and think about how you feel in that given moment and why. By doing this, you can slow down and genuinely appreciate and enjoy the good things in your life, however small. It also may help you uncover patterns and better understand triggers, so you can gain perspective and make adjustments where beneficial and possible. Both can help you feel more optimistic and build your resilience, making it easier to bounce back from tough times and thoroughly enjoy the good ones.
Make a commitment to yourself
Take time each day to do something that will help you be more present and aware of your life and times. Beyond the above ideas, there are infinite ways to do so.
No-cost mental health support
For personalized emotional and mental health support, MnFIRE provides no-cost, confidential resources funded by the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program – including counseling visits and peer support – to Minnesota firefighters and their families. Call 888-784-6634 to learn more and get help.
Sources
Helpguide.org, Benefits of Mindfulness. January 16, 2025.
Mindful, 5 Simple Mindfulness Practices for Daily Life. October 14, 2024.
NHS, What is mindfulness? – Mental wellbeing tips – Every Mind Matters.
We Think Twice, 8 Healthy Habits for a Mindful Life. Accessed February 19, 2025.
