Can Living in the Moment Improve Your Health?

 “Enjoy every moment. Life is short.” Trying to enjoy each moment may actually be good for your health.

The idea called Mindfulness is about being completely aware of what’s happening in the present—of all that’s going on inside and all that’s happening around you. It means not living your life on “autopilot.” Instead, you experience life as it unfolds moment to moment, good and bad, and without judgment or preconceived notions.

Finding time for mindfulness in our culture, however, can be a challenge. We tend to place great value on how much we can do at once and how fast. Still, being more mindful is within anyone’s reach.

Many people who practice mindfulness report an increased ability to relax, a greater enthusiasm for life and improved self-esteem. A major benefit of mindfulness is that it encourages you to pay attention to your thoughts, your actions and your body. It is so common for people to watch TV and eat snack food out of the box without really attending to how much they are eating. “With mindful eating, you eat when you’re hungry, focus on each bite, enjoy your food more and stop when you’re full.”

You can practice mindfulness throughout the day, even while answering e-mails, sitting in traffic or waiting in line. All you have to do is become more aware—of your breath, of your feet on the ground, of your fingers typing, of the people and voices around you. All of these add up and start to create a more mindful, healthy life.

Being Mindful

The concept of mindfulness is simple, but becoming a more mindful person requires commitment and practice. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Take some deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose to a count of 4, hold for 1 second and then exhale through the mouth to a count of 5. Repeat often.
• Enjoy a stroll. As you walk, notice your breath and the sights and sounds around you. As thoughts and worries enter your mind, note them but then return to the present.
• Practice mindful eating. Be aware of taste, textures and flavors in each bite, and listen to your body when you are hungry and full.
• Find mindfulness resources in your local community, including yoga and meditation classes, mindfulness-based stress reduction programs and books.