It's time to be more purposeful in your day! We've got some great ways for you to be mindful in everything you do. Slow down while being more productive and actually enjoy your time!

With everything that's going on in today's “I need it now” society, sometimes it's hard to slow down and enjoy what's right in front of you. It's time to break that chain! Start thinking about what you're doing in the present versus dwelling on past or future events.

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But how in the world do you slow down? How do you be mindful and live in the present? Oh Freebs, we've got you! When you're busy, slowing down and being mindful is an overwhelming task. But it's worth it. Learning how to slow down will actually help you be more productive. Let's jump in and figure this out together!

IT'S IMPORTANT TO SLOW DOWN

For those of us who like being busy (we're totally raising our hands right now), this might sound crazy! It's in those times where we've been forced to slow down, that we realize how important and life-giving slowing down can be. When we give our minds a chance to rest, we can bounce back with far more power.

So what does it mean to be mindful? Check out this definition (read it in your best Bob Ross voice because it will make it that much more zen and cool):

“A mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.”

Oxford Dictionary

Sounds easy enough, but it can actually be really hard to achieve focus, as you well know! Between managing your home, emails coming in, kids needing something from you and the constant flow of information available on your phone, it can be hard to zero in on the task at hand.

Luckily, we've got some great tips that will help you be more mindful in your daily life. Lower your stress, be more productive, and actually enjoy the things that are meant to be relaxing or entertaining! Now let's paint those happy little trees and get on with it. 😉

HOW TO BE MINDFUL

It's time to change our mindsets and change how we do things at home and at work! Focus on one thing at a time, so you can really master each skill. Remember, this is supposed to help you with your stress. There's no need stress over your lack of destressing!

START OFF YOUR DAY THE RIGHT WAY

When you wake up, spend some time doing something for yourself before you get wrapped up in what the world is doing and what everybody else needs from you. Read your scriptures, spend time in prayer, meditate, work out, or enjoy a little alone time before your day begins.

This will really help you focus on what's most important and be mindful of what your priorities should be during the day. Doing so will set your tone for the day, so try to make this happen! Wake up 30 minutes earlier than you usually do. You'll come to find that those first few minutes of the day really matter.

REDUCE TIME WASTERS

Be mindful of your time by giving technology its own place during the day. No more checking your phone when you first get up, then again at breakfast, and again an hour or so later, and again and again and again… It's great to have everything that we need at our fingertips (literally), but don't let it get in the way!

Work technology into your block schedule and try to be on your phone or watch tv when you've set aside the time for it. Set a timer when you do sit down to check your Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest so you don't get sucked in for longer than you'd like. If you're allowing yourself to watch one show, only watch one show. Set boundaries for yourself! That time will be so much more meaningful for you, and your time will really be freed up during the day.

MULTITASK THE RIGHT WAY

We've said it before and we'll say it again! The only time we suggest multitasking is when you pair one mindless task with another. Feel free to listen to an audiobook while organizing your closet. Neither one of those things need all of your attention and you'll easily be able to accomplish both.

DELEGATE TASKS

Sometimes, the best way to slow down is to take tasks you don't need to do yourself off your plate. Delegate those tasks to someone else and allow them to help you. If your husband offers to help with dinner, let him. Heck, make it a family affair and teach your kids how to cook so they can be helpers in the kitchen, too!

Allow your kids to help around the house. You'd be amazed at the chores kids are willing and able to do (we've got a whole list of age appropriate chores)! Laundry, cleaning the house, packing their own lunches, the sky's the limit. Include them in the family economy and have them pull their own weight. It'll make life easier on you and will teach them to be more independent.

Just remember, it may not get done the way that you would've done it. Let them be proud of their work and don't feel the need to “fix” it once they're done. That doesn't help you to slow down any!

MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITY

Have you ever noticed that sleep can really get in the way of your productivity? There are some instances where you can't control your lack of sleep, like a kid having a bad dream or a big storm coming through and waking you up. But there are usually more instances where you can control it!

We've compiled some great tips to help you get more sleep, so be sure to check those out! Once you get your sleep under control, you'll be able to focus better throughout the day and be mindful of the task at hand.

GET OUTSIDE

Whoever said that sunshine is good for the soul was right! Make time during your day to go outside. Take your dog for a walk, play in the backyard with your kids, relax on the porch swing with your sweetie. There's something about being outside that renews you and helps you be more mindful of your surroundings.

Really take in the scenery around you and enjoy it, whether it's in the mountains, desert, grassy yard or anywhere in between. This helps you pause your busy life for a minute and really slow down.

BE PRESENT AND FIND JOY

No matter what you're doing, be present! If you're responding to emails, be all-in and focus only on that. It's nice to know you've given something your best effort when it had all your attention. The same goes for washing dishes or doing things around the house.

Be mindful of what you're doing and enjoy it as much as you can. Remember when you were a kid and you loved blowing bubbles? Washing dishes can be just as fun! Focus on the bubbles that you make while you're scrubbing or the rainbow colors that appear. It can make a mundane task turn into something enjoyable and helps it feel like it's going quicker.

When you're eating dinner with your family, really put your focus and attention on them! Listen to what they're saying, engage with them, ask them different questions to get the conversation going. Be mindful of your time with them! Your time with your kids living at home is short, so make the most of it.

BE MINDFUL WITH YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

Being productive can be easier said than done. How do you set up all those systems that will make your life run more smoothly? Productivity Boot Camp is your answer! It will give you the chance to slow down and be more mindful.

This really fun online video program is a fantastic way to get your life organized! It'll open up your day and allow you to do the things that matter most to you. Sounds pretty great, right?! Use the code FCFBLOG for 10% off at checkout!

Alright, it's time for you to go be mindful in your life! You'll be amazed at how these ways to slow down (while being more productive!) will really help with that. What's your favorite way to start the day? Let us know in the comments!

Want more?

• Help your tweens and teens to be more mindful in their lives as well! We've got a great list of ideas for them to help focus on their skills or learn something new.
• Help free up your time by using these budgeting and money management apps.
• Plan a staycation and live your best life without sacrificing your wallet!