Terms like “mindfulness” and “meditation” are constantly circulated around in the field of self-care, but despite the good intentions of wanting to support mental health, meditation can be inaccessible and discouraging for beginners.

Nevertheless, we will let you in on a secret: mindfulness is simply the practice of being present in the moment, and no matter where you are on your spiritual journey, there are so many different mindful activities that can help you connect to the present moment.

If you’re interested in meditation but struggle to sit still for minutes at a time, here are some other mindful activities you can try:

1. Reading

Reading is an excellent opportunity to engage your mind and focus your attention on a positive source. One of the best parts about reading is there are unlimited options of reading material, so every person can find a book, magazine, article, or a comic to read on a subject they are interested in.

2. Board Games

Playing board games with loved ones is another effective method to encourage being present and connecting with others in the moment. During games, people can engage in friendly competition as they are required to learn rules, follow along with the gameplay, and employ strategies. Reflect on how you feel before and after your next game night to truly appreciate the results.

3. Boxing

Incorporating physical movement with mindfulness is a great strategy to prevent the mind from wandering. Activities such as boxing challenge you to maintain awareness of the physical body and how you place your energy, as well as remaining attentive to your opponent. By giving a physical body part to be mindful of, it makes it easier to focus on the task at hand and avoid getting distracted.

4. Take Inventory of Your Environment

Sometimes being present in the moment can be as simple as becoming aware of the environment around you. Try this technique by looking around and acknowledging as many details as you can using all five senses.

5. Spending Time with Young Children

We are all born with a magical instinct for imagination that eventually gets overshadowed by the cynicism of adulthood. Take the opportunity to have a conversation with a young child to quickly be reminded of the beauty we can find everywhere in the simple world. If you follow by example and laugh at how silly the world can be, you will notice a new appreciation for the present moment.

Returning to the present moment can encourage a beautiful perspective to find happiness in simplicity, and despite misconceptions depicted by rigid meditation practices, mindfulness can be found throughout all areas of your life. What is your go-to mindfulness practice? Contact us at Outrun Gravity to share your favorite way to reconnect.