In today’s world, we’re constantly inundated with distractions.
We’re constantly being pulled in different directions, being told what to do, where to be, and how to think.
It can be difficult to find time to quiet your mind and just be present in the here and now.
But it’s important to take time for yourself, be present in the moment, and just relax.
In this article, we’ll discuss some tips on how to be present in the here and now so that you can enjoy life to the fullest.
What does it mean to be present, and why is it important?
Before we get into exactly how to be present, let’s discuss what it means to be present and why it matters.
To be present means to be fully focused on this very moment without focusing on the past or the future.
It means to be in the moment, to experience life as it is happening, without distractions.
You may have also heard this be described as mindfulness, which is the same concept.
The idea of being here now was popularized by guru Ram Dass in his 1971 book Be Here Now.
Being present is important because it allows you to live in the moment and appreciate what is happening around you.
It can help you find peace and calm in your life, and it can help reduce stress.
When you’re present, you can focus on what you’re doing and appreciate the moment.
You’re not worried about what happened in the past or what might happen in the future; you’re just living in the moment.
How to be present in the here and now
1. Find time for yourself
I think we all fall victim to “the busy trap” at some point in our lives.
We fill our days with so much that we don’t have any time or energy for anything else.
But it’s important to find time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day.
Take some time each day to do something that you enjoy, something that relaxes you.
It can be anything from reading a book to taking a nap to going for a walk.
Just find something that allows you to focus on yourself and your own happiness because you’re important too.
2. Turn off your devices
Our phones are probably the biggest distractions we face in our daily lives.
We’re constantly checking them, scrolling through social media, and getting lost in the endless abyss of the internet.
However, if you want to be present, it’s important to turn off your devices.
This one can be tough, especially if you’re always connected to your phone or your computer.
But even if you can just put your phone away for an hour or two, it can make a big difference.
You can even practice reducing the amount of time you spend on your phone instead of going full cold turkey.
3. Practise mindful eating
Mindful eating is a great way to be present in the moment.
The next time you sit down to eat, take a few minutes to focus on your food.
Look at it, smell it, and taste it.
Slow down and take your time; chew your food thoroughly.
Notice how your body feels while eating and pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues.
This can help you appreciate your food more and focus on your body’s needs.
4. Pay attention to your surroundings
When you’re present, you’re not just focused on your own thoughts and feelings – you’re also paying attention to your surroundings.
This means that you notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
You’re observing the people and the world around you.
You may even notice things that you’ve never seen before.
The next time you’re out for a walk, take a few minutes to really pay attention to your surroundings.
Notice the different sounds you hear, the different smells in the air, and the different sights you see.
5. Listen to people
How often do you truly listen to what other people are saying?
I’m not talking about just hearing them but fully immersed in what they’re saying.
Listening to people is a great way to be present because it requires focus and attention.
It also shows that you care about the person and what they have to say.
Next time you’re talking to someone, really listen to what they’re saying.
Don’t just wait for your turn to talk; actually, focus on the conversation.
You may be surprised by how much you learn and how much you appreciate the person.
6. Focus on your breath
One quick and easy way to be present in the moment is to focus on your breath.
You can do this throughout the day, and it only takes a few seconds.
Breathe in and out slowly; focus on the air as it goes in and out of your lungs.
This is a great way to calm down and focus on yourself.
7. Find stillness
In a constantly moving world, it can be hard to find stillness.
But it’s important to find moments of stillness throughout your day.
This can be anything from taking a few minutes to sit in silence to spending time in nature.
Just find something that allows you to tune out the world and focus on yourself.
When you find stillness, you can connect with yourself and your surroundings.
8. Tune into your intuition
Your intuition is a powerful tool, and when you’re present, you can tune into it more easily.
Your intuition often speaks to you in a quiet voice, and when you’re present, you can hear it more clearly.
The next time you have a decision to make, take a few minutes to sit with it.
Pay attention to your gut feeling and see what it tells you.
You may be surprised by how accurate your intuition can be.
How to deal with distractions when trying to be present
There’s no doubt that it can be challenging to be present in the moment, especially when there are so many distractions around us.
But there are a few things you can do to deal with distractions and stay present.
1. Acknowledge the distraction
The first step is to acknowledge the distraction.
Recognize that you’re being pulled away from the present moment.
This can be difficult, but it’s an important step.
2. Don’t fight the distraction
It can be tempting to fight the distraction when you’re trying to be present.
But this will only make it harder to focus.
Instead, accept that the distraction is there and see if you can’t find a way to work around it.
For example, if the distraction is a notification popping up on your phone, place your phone in a different room or on silent mode.
If the distraction is a thought, acknowledge it and then let it go.
3. Redirect your attention
If you can’t seem to shake the distraction, redirect your attention.
This means focusing on something else in the moment.
For example, if you’re distracted by a thought, focus on your breath.
If you’re distracted by your surroundings, focus on the task at hand.
Final thoughts
It can be difficult to be present in the moment, especially when there are so many distractions around us.
But with practice, it’s something that you can definitely improve.
Start by trying out some of the tips and tricks mentioned above.
And remember, the goal is to be in the moment as much as possible, not to be perfect.
