5 ways to bring mindfulness practices into your every day life

welcome pals! today we’re touching on the wonderful topic of mindfulness + how to incorporate it into your every day life :)

the beauty of mindfulness is that it’s all about being present in the moment and not judging yourself or your surroundings. Here are some mindfulness practices that you might find helpful.

first up, we have breathing exercises! as you may know we are huge into breathing exercises here at Femme Royale. which works out well because this is a great place to start if you're new to mindfulness. just sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. try to notice the sensation of air moving in and out of your body. if your mind wanders (which it probably will + that’s ok!), just gently bring it back to your breath. try the box breathing method if you’re having trouble—inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds + repeat // do this for 3 minutes and increase your time each day by 1 round until you work up to 10 minutes of breathing (with or without the box breathing!)

next up we have the body scan meditation! lie down in a comfortable position and focus on each part of your body, from your toes to the top of your head. notice any sensations or feelings that arise. take note of where those feelings are. what do they feel like? do you know why they’re there? this can be especially helpful for reducing tension and stress in your body. we suggest jotting down what you felt in a journal to keep track of your findings.

if you want to get some exercise while practicing mindfulness, try mindful walking. take a slow, deliberate walk and focus on your surroundings. pay attention to the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the movement of your body, and the sights and sounds around you. it's a great way to reduce stress and feel more connected to the world around you.

one of our favorite ways to practice mindfulness is through gratitude journaling. write down three things you're grateful for each day and take a moment to reflect on why you're grateful for them. this can help you appreciate the small things in life and reduce stress.

lastly, there's mindful eating. this involves paying attention to the taste, texture, and smell of your food as you eat. take your time and savor each bite, focusing on the sensations in your mouth and the experience of eating. this can help you become more aware of your relationship with food and reduce mindless snacking.

all in all, mindfulness practices can be a game-changer for reducing stress, improving mental health, and finding more meaning in life. so! give these practices a try and see how they work for you! remember to be present in the moment and avoid judgment, allowing yourself to fully experience each practice. good luck friend!