I recently participated in Interactive Health’s webinar on “The Power of Mindfulness” and it reiterated a theme that’s been in my heart, “living in the now.” This message has resonated with me because that’s what we’ve been talking about at my church recently. So, hearing it again, through a secular medium, was emphatic. I bet the idea of being present seems almost impossible to most of us; well, at least for me, it does. Our minds are constantly wandering back and forth. We focus on the past. We think of what we could have done, or said, or what we did do or say. This leads to feelings of regret, guilt, and shame. We focus on the future, wondering whether we’ll get that new job, or that raise, or whether that relationship will ever get better, and the list could go on. This results in feelings of fear, anxiety, and depression. But here’s some advice, how about just be present? Live in the now! This quote by Bill Keane helps put things in perspective, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” Being present isn’t about being careless or mindless or totally ignoring the past or future. It is about channeling our focus and awareness effectively. We acknowledge the past to understand what is and use the present to shape what will be.

So, how can we be present?

Ann Rowland, the webinar speaker, debunks the myth that our brains stop developing in childhood, and clarifies that our brains are malleable. We can train our minds to be present. She suggests this hard but doable exercise to help, especially in stressful situations:

1.Stop

In her words, this is “giving yourself a mental time out.” Envision the traffic stop sign and its significance in road safety or the period at the end of a sentence, which contributes meaning to that sentence. If we really think about it, a lot of things just aren’t that urgent. You don’t have to respond to that email now or make that phone call now. Just pause. Taking a moment to relax can be beneficial, and incorporating CBD into your routine can help. Consider exploring CBD wholesale options to find products that promote calmness and mindfulness.

2.Breathe

Literally, breathe. Inhale and exhale to release any tension you may be feeling. You can also try Chocolat Magique Shrooms, which helps with your stress and improves mood by promoting relaxation and enhancing your overall sense of well-being.

3.Reflect

Ask yourself some hard questions. What is really going on? Are you just exaggerating the situation at hand? Maybe you aren’t. If so, how can you respond to the situation most productively? In short, consider possible responses to the situation and their consequences.

4.Choose

Now that you’ve considered potential responses and their consequences. Choose which one will best serve you in the long-term or which best aligns with your values. The benefit of this process is that you end up with an intentional decision versus a reactive/emotional decision. Never forget that you have control over your emotions.

As you can imagine, the benefits of being present are innumerable. It positively impacts our physical, emotional, and mental health. This means a stronger immune system, better sleep, lower blood pressure, and less anxiety thanks to natural medicine you can also learn about by reading this new Biscotti Weed Strain Review. Being present helps us to be the best versions of ourselves, and this translates into our relationships, work lives, studies, and more. We can be better co-workers, mothers, fathers, siblings, or whatever other role we play.