By definition, mindfulness is 1. the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. 2. a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

In the modern day and age, we are confronted by an endless amount of distractions. Do a quick scan of your day and I bet you can count at least 10 without a whole lot of thought. Taking time to be mindful, even if just for a moment, can help us pull back into ourselves, heighten awareness and ground us.

Here are a few fast and easy ways that you can tune in and embrace a moment of mindfulness. Jot one down and tape it to your bathroom mirror, create a smartphone background or set a daily reminder in your phone. The more you practice mindfulness, the more of a habit you will make it.

1. When sipping your morning coffee or tea, simply do just that. Explore each of your senses as you drink. Start with smelling it and deeply inhaling the aroma. Look at it as you hold it in your hands and note how it feels, and the temperature it is against your hand. Take a sip and taste it then listen to the sounds made as you sip.
2. Place your hand to your heart and tune into your heartbeat, try to focus on pushing anything else out of mind and just focus on the sensation of your heartbeat from both the outside of your body (through your hand) as well as the inside of your body (looking inward).
3. Wherever you are at any moment, you can pause and simply listen to the sounds around you. So often, background noises just become part of life, but when you stop to focus on them, listen to them and observe simply though your ability to tune in you can turn a commute home, a moment at your desk and any experience into an opportunity to be mindful.
4. Turn on an aromatherapy diffuser and watch it, listen to it and breathe in the scent it is sharing with you. Sometimes the act of causing an opportunity for mindfulness is just what we need amidst the chaos of our busy days. Going on a walk can also offer the same opportunity.
5. Utilize technology in your favor. There are many apps that can support mindfulness in your daily life and even remind you to do so. Set a reminder on your phone or utilize the Mindfulness Bell app. When your phone chimes, take a moment to stop what you are doing, breathe and notice what is happening around you.

Brittany is a lover of routines, books, simple joys and anything creative. With a degree in marketing and advertising, she worked in early childhood education for 7 years before pursuing her creative work full-time as an illustrator, blogger, photographer and becoming a mother.

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