Living in the now can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and increasing happiness.
This can only be achieved if you are living in the present moment and not in the past. We all have a past and believe me, some of our past is dented.
There is no one on this earth that has a perfect past. We all have skeletons in our closets. Even the seemingly holy people are not excluded.
Regardless of what your past is, living in the now can also have numerous benefits for your mental health and overall well-being.
By focusing on the here and now, you can let go of regrets about the past and anxieties about the future. Look, living in the past is bondage.
In this article, we’ll explore some tips and techniques for living in the now and enjoying a more fulfilling life.
The Benefits of Living in the Now
“Cease to ask what the morrow will bring forth and set down and gain each day that fortune grants.”
Living in the present moment has numerous benefits for our mental and emotional well-being. As mentioned above it can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve our relationships, increase our creativity and productivity, and enhance our overall sense of happiness and fulfillment.
When you are fully present and alert, you are able to appreciate the beauty and wonder of life, and you are better equipped to handle whatever challenges that, may come your way.
I know it’s not easy to live in the now, what with the challenges of life and what it brings forth. There is so much that needs our attention and as a result, we tend to overthink and are overburdened with life’s issues.
However, life was not meant to be stressful but to be enjoyed. The more you worry, the more energy you spend that could be used more productively.
The Bible says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians.
Here are some benefits of living in the present moment:-
Reduced Stress and Anxiety – When you focus on the present moment, you are not worrying about the past or the future. This helps to reduce stress and anxiety, as you are not constantly dwelling on things that are out of your control.
Remember that you have control over your mind and in turn, control over your thoughts, so watch what you think because they become your habits.
As explained above anxiety often involves worrying about future events or dwelling on past mistakes. By focusing on the present moment, you can interrupt this cycle of worrying and reduce the amount of time spent ruminating on negative thoughts.
Increased Happiness – When you are fully present, you are more likely to enjoy and appreciate the little things in life which can lead to increased happiness and a greater sense of contentment.
Look, happiness is what you decide. No one on this earth owes it to you. But instead, you owe it to yourself. You are solely responsible for your happiness.
Stop looking for someone or something to make you happy. Decide for yourself that you shall be happy regardless of the situation you find yourself in. The only true happiness is found in Christ Jesus.
Improved Relationships – When you are fully present with others, you are able to connect with them better, on a deeper level and this leads to stronger and more meaningful relationships.
Imagine how it feels to be in a relationship with someone whose mind is not present. You are talking and they seem far away from you.
That kind of relationship will definitely not last long if there is no drastic change. A good relationship is one with mutual understanding and constant communication.
Increased Productivity – When you are fully engaged in the present moment, you are more focused and productive.
You can focus better on the task at hand and be more resilient in the face of challenges. This helps to increase your confidence in your ability to cope with difficult situations.
The more alert you are the more productive you tend to be and the more engaged your mind becomes in solving the task at hand.
How to Make Living in the Now a Habit
Making living in the now a habit takes practice and patience. One way to start is by setting aside a few minutes each day to focus on the present moment.
This can be done through meditation, mindfulness exercises, or simply taking a few deep breaths and tuning into your surroundings.
It’s also important to let go of distractions and negative thoughts that may pull you out of the present moment.
With time and consistency, living in the now can become a natural and rewarding habit. So how can you achieve living in the present moment? Here are some tips:
Practice Mindfulness – Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This will help you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and to focus on the present.
In other words, mindfulness is being conscious of your current surroundings; being aware of, or noticing the things around you.
It takes being deliberate to practice mindfulness. You need to tune your mind to be alert and consciously take in what is before you. Mindfulness entails having total control of your mind and body.
Focus on Your Senses – Paying attention to your senses can help you to stay grounded in the present. Take a few deep breaths and focus on what you can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.
Be sensitive to what your body is telling you. Our bodies are constantly communicating with us based on our surroundings.
Reduce or Avoid Multitasking – Multitasking can make it difficult to stay present in the moment. Instead, focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention.
Let go of the Past and Future – You cannot change the past or control the future, so it is important to let go of these things and focus on the present moment.
Do whatever needs to be done today so that you may increase your chances of having a better life going forward.
Even then, you are not guaranteed that things will go your way. But doing the right thing gives you a chance at success.
Practice Gratitude – Gratitude can help you to appreciate the present moment and focus on the positive aspects of your life. Take some time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for.
There are so many things to be grateful for. Take a piece of paper and write down every good thing that has happened to you, you will be amazed.
I can give you a few things to start with. You are lucky if you are reading this article as not many people have access to the internet.
Actually, before anything else you are alive, which is the most important thing that has happened to you the more reason you should give gratitude.
The list is endless, include, your family and you will begin to see the bigger picture.
Conclusion
There are lots of benefits to living in the present. These are but a drop in the ocean. You must tune your life to start living consciously so you may enjoy the many benefits of life.