13 Ways To Live in The Moment

Something I used to be awful at was living in the moment. Stress and anxiety made it nearly impossible for me to be present no matter how hard I tried. I’m not sure what that defining AHA! moment for me was, but at some point . . . I realized I was missing out on a lot. Moments that I would never get back were long lost, but I refused to keep zoning out when I should be tuning in.

Although I’ve gotten better, I still struggle with it at times. Most times it’s easier said than done for me, but I thought I’d share some of the ways I’m trying to focus on living in the moment.

Boat

  1. Spend a day away from technology. No phone, no computer, no TV. Just you enjoying what the world has to offer without being plugged in.
  2. Celebrate the day. It doesn’t matter if it’s a holiday or not – there’s a reason to celebrate every day. Figure out a reason and celebrate the day even if it’s as simple as celebrating that you got dressed.
  3. Say yes to an opportunity. Maybe your gut reaction was no, or maybe you want to say yes but aren’t sure you should. Say yes anyway and see where it takes you!
  4. Surprise someone. Surprise someone with coffee,  an unexpected visit or even just a simple note. Simple acts of kindness go a long way and that moment will be priceless.
  5. Take time to smell the roses. Literally. Take some time outdoors and enjoy the sights and smells without getting distracted.
  6. Take a walk or drive with no destination. See where the road leads you – maybe you’ll find something you never knew existed that was right under your nose.
  7. Indulge without the guilt. Eat a whole pie or spend the entire day lost in a novel without that nagging “you shouldn’t be doing this” phrase dancing around in your head.
  8. Meditate. Even if you can only last for a minute, do it.
  9. Stop planning, start doing. Spend a whole day or weekend doing what you feel like doing at that very moment instead of planning what you need to do.
  10. Appreciate something. Maybe it’s yourself, your significant other, your home, your job, your bedroom, your meal, etc – spend time to truly appreciate something’s beauty.
  11. Sell or donate something you’ve been holding on to “just because.” Let go of the clutter and get rid of something that you’ve refused to let go of. Then enjoy the freedom it brings.
  12. Do that one thing that you always say will happen some day. Make today that day and do something you’ve always hoped you would eventually have time for.
  13. Do something you loved to do as a kid. Color a picture, go camping, jump in the lake, have a slumber party or go get ice cream. Do something you feel like you’ve outgrown now that you’re an adult.

how do you live in the moment?