The Secret of Reducing Stress

How often do you find yourself wondering about the future or dwelling in the past? Probably, like most of us, you do this quite a bit, and it takes you out of the "Now". The result: undue stress which can create disharmony in your life.

Here are some tips to bring yourself back to what's in front of you as your mind wanders:

Keep aware. Notice your thoughts, but don't judge them. Just observe what you are thinking.
Tune into one of your senses: sight, smell, taste, sound, or touch. Focus in on one of them. For example, really look at what is around you (take in colors, shapes, details, etc.) as if you were seeing it for the first time.
Pause between tasks. We tend to go from one activity to the next without a break. After you finish something, take a few deep breaths and then begin the new assignment. Perhaps it will give you a different perspective.
Listen to what people are saying. How often do you tune a co-worker out because you're involved in your own thoughts? Bring yourself back to what they are saying by focusing on the sound of their voice.