Time: < 30 Minutes
STEP 1: Recognize that your thoughts may not be reality. When your mind is heavy with worry, racing thoughts—filled with what-ifs and imagined scenarios—take control. Things that have not happened (and may never happen!) can seem very real.
STEP 2: When you feel stressed out, take a few deep breaths to calm yourself before taking action. Avoid overanalyzing the situation currently plaguing you. No matter the situation, there is always time for a couple of deep breaths and for you to pause and bring yourself back to the present moment.
STEP 3: When changes occur (especially negative ones), it’s difficult not to compare, or to want things to be as they once were… but these comparisons are nothing but trouble. The more you accept what is happening now—even when it’s painful—the more mindful you become and are better able to make a positive step in the right direction.
STEP 4: No day is going to be perfect. Choose to focus more on the happy moments than on the painful ones. Our minds are powerful—and it’s up to us to guide them in a positive direction. It’s easy and fun to live in the now when your "now" is a happy one, but when times are tough, staying present is rough…but necessary to appreciate the time you have now.
STEP 5: Sit in silence. Become aware of your thoughts. Focus on your breathing. Notice what is happening around you. Become comfortable with the silence and stillness. It’ll do you a world of good—and it just takes five minutes.
