Life as a housewife or a working wife is quite a busy routine, especially with kids. You're being occupied all day by non-stop works and chores. Then, when you have a moment to sit down, you realise your day has gone. The routine continues until you feel like missing out many things around. Practising mindfulness will help you take better care of yourself in the midst of daily busyness.
Before getting into the tips, let's address the concept of mindfulness first!
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is being fully aware of the present, taking notice of every moment and being in good self-control - not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by surroundings.
We often find ourselves caught in a circle of busyness and stress. Our need to relax and rejuvenate, and the realisation that we also need to take care of ourselves, appear to be impossible. We end up wishing to have more time.
But hey, we are gifted with enough time! Our day can be busy with a long to-do list, but we still can enjoy every moment of our busyness by practising mindfulness.
What can be done?
Self-awareness, supported with a series of self-care techniques will bring out the best of mindfulness concept. It isn't about trying to stop your thoughts and feelings to enter a state of thoughtless calm. It is actually learning to cope with them in a non-judgemental and attentive state of mind.
Practising mindfulness is simply bringing your attention to physical senses to find enjoyment in everything you do.
To do that, you need to know some self-care techniques which will enable you to take care of yourself in the midst of daily busyness.
Mindfulness when waking up to start a day
The old way: You open your eyes and roll yourself out of bed, heading to the bathroom, thinking of what to prepare for breakfast or your first meeting of the day. You look at the watch now and then to make sure everything is on time.
The new way: You wake up a bit earlier, be mindful of what's the weather like when you open the window, the temperature outside, the wind blowing or the birds singing; mindful of your partner and your kids to say "Good morning" with a kiss; mindful of what's in the fridge to make breakfast or how to make everyone leave the first meeting of the day feeling productive.
Bonus: Not only will you feel calm and collected, but your family and your colleagues will also feel happy talking and working with you, too!
Mindfulness while commuting to work
The old way: Standing like a sardine squashed into a tin can on a train or bus, resenting anyone who has a seat, feeling nauseous at tons of smells - from perfumes to deodorants, hairspray, etc. still trying to keep your head cool. Or sitting in your car, being stuck in morning traffic, swearing at every stupid move on the road and everyone honking their horns, feeling worried about not being able to make it on time.
The new way: Being mindful of your environment and the tendency to resist it; mindful of your roller coaster emotions; mindful of different senses, but instead of thinking about them or analysing them, just simply acknowledging them. Mindful that there's nothing you can do about traffic. Instead of feeling irritated by it, just simply making the most of it by enjoying your breakfast in the car, catching up with some news on the radio, reviewing your presentation for the meeting, or listening to the podcast that you haven't finished, etc.
Bonus: Other people around you will appreciate the calmness you can deal with such annoying situations without being stressed. You may also find yourself turning up at work with a smile.
Mindfulness while cooking, cleaning or washing dishes
The old way: Vaguely aware of the need to avoid sharp knife as you're busy thinking of what to do next or staring out of the window wishing you could sit down and relax, or wondering if your partner likes going out for dinner tonight, etc. You just want to get the job done, so you can tick it off the list.
The new way: Being mindful of the very first moment when your hands meet the water or cut the vegetables; mindful of doing one thing at a time and taking extra seconds to do it thoroughly; mindful of letting go of unnecessary and negative thoughts; mindful of feeling satisfied with a delicious meal you cook that your family will happily enjoy, a clean house and clean dishes when you finish.
Bonus: You'll feel productive when owning such a peace of mind. You can even take care of yourself by allowing yourself to have a short break while waiting for the roast in the oven or the floor to dry. You can put a facemask on or indulge in a cup of tea.
Mindfulness while taking a shower
The old way: You step into the shower and try to adjust the temperature of water you like. From there, your mind wanders off as you sing or dance to your favourite tune.
The new way: Being mindful of the pleasure as the warm water washes over you; mindful of the smell of your shower gel, shampoo or cleansing gel; mindful of the amount of water you're using; and mindful of the sound of water. Those little things will help you enjoy your showering and have a chance to relax.
Bonus: You can pamper yourself with skincare routine after that.
Conclusion
Your mind will become clear and peaceful when you know how to enjoy every moment of your daily life when you utilise every second of it for good and positive thoughts, and when you can be mindful of every little thing around.
Mindfulness requires a strong sense of self-awareness and smart self-care techniques. You cannot serve from an empty cup, so fill your cup by giving yourself the right daily care and generate positive energy and happiness to others.
Letting mindfulness change your old way of thinking and doing things. Then, you'll see how happier you become when you learn to thank more than to judge.
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