Mindfulness is a powerful tool for personal growth that is also an exercise in self care, because it increases your feelings of wellbeing. By incorporating some mindfulness into your daily life, especially if you have lots of responsibilities to tend to, you will develop a greater sense of presence, reduce your stress levels, improve your mental health and focus, and regulate your emotions, as well as feel better overall.
So, here are 4 tips that will help you to feel more mindful this summer:
Eat the rainbow — You’ve heard the phrase, but what does it actually mean? Eating a diet of different coloured fruits and vegetables will gift your body with a wide array of nutrients — the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals that your cells need to keep you healthy. Each colour in a rainbow of foods represents a unique set of beneficial compounds that will contribute to your overall health and well-being. By eating a variety of colours, you’ll ensure that you’re supporting your various bodily functions. My delicious Lentil and Bean Salad with Feta recipe incorporates a rainbow of colours, is packed with loads of nutrients and is quick and easy to make, so that you don’t have to spend ages in the kitchen and can enjoy the warm weather outside!
CLICK HERE TO SEE MY LENTIL AND BEAN SALAD WITH FETA RECIPE
Ditch the digital — Although this is something that will help everyone, if you suffer from anxiety or stress, you will benefit even more. To start, schedule in one day a week where you will be offline from all the black boxes — phones, tablets, computer screens, TVs. Enjoy offline life by taking a walk in nature, having conversations without distractions with loved ones or taking a class to learn something new. Taking intentional breaks away from your digital devices and social media will allow you to cultivate a sense of inner calm and to fully appreciate the present moment without distractions.
Get the vitamin D — It’s not a secret that we don’t get to enjoy much sunshine in the UK and a study by the British Nutrition Foundation, called The National Diet and Nutrition Survey showed that almost 50% of the population is vitamin D deficient. Most of us don’t get enough of this vital vitamin in the food that we eat (it’s found in foods like fatty fish, eggs and dairy), which many people associate with keeping bones strong and your immune system boosted. However, there’s also a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and unwanted weight gain. Of course, you shouldn’t overdo it, but enjoying the sun on your skin (without layering on toxic sunscreen) for around 15-20 minutes during the summer is ideal to build up a tan. Once your skin starts to get pink, you’ve had enough and risk sunburn, which will defeat the purpose.
Feel the love — When was the last time you looked at yourself naked in the mirror? Generally when we look in the mirror, we focus on our so-called flaws, but have you noticed how babies and toddlers view their reflection, no matter how they look? They absolutely love their reflection and some even give themselves kisses before they’re conditioned to think that it’s not acceptable to do so. When you practice self love, you prioritise your own emotional well-being, which will eventually create an amazing relationship with yourself. This is the point where self acceptance, self compassion and self care meet, which result in improved mental health, increased self confidence and a very strong sense of inner peace.
It should be noted that mindfulness is a practice that requires patience and consistency. But by incorporating these mindfulness tips into your daily summer routine, you will not only enhance your overall sense of wellbeing, but you’ll also feel more gratitude, as well as be able to fully enjoy the beauty this season has to offer all of us.
Love, Gaynor x
