Be Present for Your Experiences

Have you ever found yourself going about your daily routine, only to suddenly realize that a month has gone by without your noticing? It’s easy to fall into the habit of just going through the motions. But it’s important to switch gears and be present for your experiences.

Mix it up. Part of the reason we inadvertently shift into cruise control is a lack of variation in our daily schedules. When every day is the same, we can drift through our tasks without really thinking about them. Try out a new café for lunch, hit the gym at a different time of day or schedule dinner with a friend.

Make breaks a must. Staying focused at work is important, but try to do it without developing tunnel vision. If you’re tackling a big project, it’s not hard to throw yourself into it without realizing how much time is going by. Suddenly, it’ll be 5:00 and you’ll wonder where the day went. That can be a good thing if it’s a particularly busy time at the office, but over the long-term, it will burn you out. Take a short break every so often to stop what you’re doing and engage in another activity, even if it’s only checking your inbox or standing up to stretch. This will help you regain an awareness of what’s going on around you.

Pay attention. Rather than allowing your day to pass by in a blur, slow down and appreciate it. Don’t drink your coffee in a few hurried gulps – instead, really enjoy it. If the woman in the next cubicle is wearing a new outfit, tell her how much you like it. Consciously noticing your surroundings and giving attention to your experiences will help you keep your mind in the present – that way you won’t feel like time is slipping through your fingers.

-Sarah Cooke