Here’s How You Can Live In The Present … Starting Today!

Over the past few years it has become essential to me that I live in the present moment. To me this means being entirely focused on where I am, what I am doing and, most importantly, who I am with. Why is it important to live in the present moment, you ask? The “focus on right now” approach to life is important because negativity often comes from the memory of past events or behaviors. It is also hard to think positively when your imagination is creating nightmare scenarios of possible future outcomes. Negative thinking has been linked in scientific studies to higher rates of disease and infection, heart disease, cancer, neurological disorders and a shorter lifespan.

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Alternately, thinking positive makes you healthier and happier, and leads to a longer lifespan. It boosts your immune system so that you effectively repel disease, infection and illness. This improved physical state fosters positive mental health, and you experience less stress and anxiety in your life. The following 5 tips help you learn how to appreciate and live in the present moment, and when practiced regularly, can lead to multiple mental and physical health benefits.

5 Things To Do Today to Live in the Present

1 – Find a reason to love your job – Do you dread going to work? There are 168 hours in a week. You probably work and commute to and from work between 45 and 60 hours each week. That means 26% to 35% of your life revolves around work. When you add how many hours during the week you worry about your job, you could be spending half of your life in a negative mindset if you don’t learn to embrace the positive aspects of your employment or career.

Related Article: Ways To Kick Start Your Week

2 – Learn to forgive – Resentment is a stress builder that never lets you move on from a previous situation. How can you focus and appreciate the present when you are living in the past?

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3 – Be truly aware of your surroundings – You have 5 senses. Embrace them all, allowing them to experience every aspect of the present moment. How do your clothes feel on your body? What do you smell and see? How does the sun feel on your skin? It’s easier to live in the present moment when you consciously make an effort to do exactly that.

4 – Stop worrying needlessly – Preparing for the future is fine, worrying endlessly is not fine. When your worrying starts to negatively impact your day-to-day activities, you are worrying too much.

5 – Stop reliving past accomplishments – You probably have a lot to be proud about in your life. Revisiting previous accomplishments from time to time is healthy behavior. However, if you are still living in the past on a regular basis, and you are not honest about your present situation, this can lead to a multitude of problems.

There you have it. Five action steps you can take starting today – right this moment! – to start living in the present and being the best Diva you are called to be in your personal and professional life.