Ah, the art of living in the moment. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded by notifications, cat videos, and the existential dread of realizing you left your oven on, being present can feel like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle. But fear not, I’ve got 6 tips on how to focus on the present and live in the moment.
Table of Contents
1. Put Down Your Phone And Look Around
Remember the days when phones were primarily used for talking to people? Yeah, neither do I. We’ve become so accustomed to the soothing glow of our screens that we’ve almost forgotten the real world even exists. So here’s a revolutionary idea: put down your phone and actually look around!
Feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the awkward eye contact with strangers as you rediscover what the real world looks like. Take the full experience in, and notice how your mind is more focused on the present and you truly live in the moment. Bonus points if you head into nature.
Yes, nature, that magical place where Wi-Fi signals fear to tread. Take a walk outside and channel your inner detective. Observe the intricate dance of squirrels, marvel at the colors in the leaves, and inspect that random rock like it holds the secrets of the universe. Being present in nature is like a free therapy session, minus the awkward small talk, that can improve your mental health.
Or you could take an Awe Walk to live in the moment: take a stroll with the intention of being amazed by the world around you. Treat your surroundings like a gallery of wonders. Notice the intricate architecture, the way leaves rustle in the wind, and the vibrant colors that often escape your attention. Pretend you’re a tourist in your own city, armed with a camera and the mission to capture the beauty in the mundane. If you want to know how to focus on the present, the Awe Walk is an awesome way.
2. Ditch Multitasking
Multitasking is like trying to juggle a dozen flaming torches – it might seem impressive until everything goes up in smoke. Focusing on one task at a time not only prevents you from accidentally sending your grocery list to your boss, but it also allows you to fully engage with the task at hand and live in the moment.
Whether you’re eating, working, or attempting to fold a fitted sheet (seriously, has anyone figured that out yet?), give it your undivided attention. By focusing on one thing at a time, you are more busy with the present than when you’d be multitasking.
3. Five Senses Check-In
How do you focus on the present? Well, by performing a quick “five senses” check-in throughout the day. Pause for a moment and identify something you can see, something you can hear, something you can touch, something you can smell, and something you can taste. This exercise grounds you in the present by making you fully aware of your sensory experience. Plus, it’s a fun way to discover just how many different scents are wafting around your kitchen.
4. Gratitude Journaling
Another great tip on how to focus on the present: take a few minutes each day to jot down things you’re grateful for. It could be the barista who remembered your name this morning, the surprise sunny weather, or the fact that you successfully matched your socks. Focusing on the positive aspects of your day trains your brain to pay more attention to the present moment and the little joys it holds.
5. Realize The Past is Dead
It’s time to bid adieu to the past. Because once a moment has occurred, it becomes part of history. You can’t change it or alter its course. Yes, that embarrassing thing you did in third grade – it’s ancient history now. Instead of clinging to those past mistakes, take those lessons with you to the present, cringe-worthy memories and all, and tuck them into your pocket of wisdom. They’re part of what makes your life uniquely yours.
6. Ditch Your Crystal Ball
Gaze into your crystal ball, and what do you see? Well, hopefully, a reflection of your own face, because that future you’re obsessing over is just a wispy illusion. The truth? The future doesn’t exist yet. It’s like a blank canvas waiting for your present brushstrokes. Set intentions, make plans, but remember – the magic of what’s to come happens when you’re present enough to paint in the details. That’s why it’s so important to live in the moment.
On a similar note, a great lesson I’ve learned from Eckhart Tolle’s book The Power of Now is that nothing you will ever do will be in the future: all action happens in the present. Once you truly think about it and understand this, you realize how futile obsessing over the future is.
One of the main reasons worrying about the future is futile is because the future is inherently uncertain. Despite our best efforts to plan, predict, and prepare, life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs. Excessive worrying can also be a sign of overthinking. If you struggle with overthinking, be sure to check out our guide on how to stop overthinking and relax.
Furthermore, when our minds are too preoccupied with the future, we risk missing out on the richness of the present moment. Life is happening right here and now, but if we’re constantly thinking about what’s next, we might not fully appreciate the beauty, experiences, and connections available to us in the present. Things we would see if we were living in the moment. It’s like watching a movie while constantly wondering how it will end – you might miss the best parts!
Conclusion: How To Live In The Moment
There are several concrete steps you can take to live more in the present instead of the past or future. These steps require you to focus more on what’s actually happening right in front of you. You should also look at your mindset: do you secretly believe that you can predict the future, or you can change the past? Once you let go of those beliefs, living in the moment will become a lot easier. Good luck!
ACTION POINTS
- Take an Awe Walk.
- Focus on one task at a time.
- Perform a five senses check-in.
- Write in a gratitude journal every day.
- Learn from the past, but don't be stuck in the past.
- Realize you can't predict the future, so worrying is futile.
