4 Practical Ways to Start Living in the Present

| 2 min read

Two teenagers have fun playing in the rain.
Do you ever find yourself saying, “I can’t wait until Friday,” or “Is it the weekend yet?” Most people cope with their day-to-day grind by looking toward the future. It’s a common practice that disregards the joy or possibility of the present. Every second serves a purpose, so make the most of it.
Learn how to live in the present with these four tips:

Slow down.

Learn to savor each moment instead of speeding through it. Pace yourself and take an opportunity to unwind. Go for a walk, write in a journal or do some mild stretches and yoga. This can be a short yet reflective time that allows you to take stock of your day.

Stop obsessing over the future.

People lose time worrying about what the future may hold. It’s a pattern often motivated by fear and the stress of uncertainty. By focusing on tomorrow, you waste the potential of today. It’s important to remember the future is shaped by your current actions. Behave accordingly.

Embrace the moment.

What’s stopping you from booking that vacation? Or joining that dance class? The future isn’t promised, so do what you love while you can. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, embrace the now.

Unplug.

It’s no secret that technology can be a huge distraction. With smartphones, there’s unlimited information right in the palm of your hands. This can make it difficult to nurture and stay engaged with real-life relationships. So, start limiting screen time. Set hours for when you will and won’t use your device. Put the phone away or keep it on silent.
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