Do you remember how you started the day today? How the jet of water from the shower felt? How your breakfast coffee tasted? Or do you switch to autopilot first thing in the morning? We are increasingly running from one appointment to the next - and missing out on many details that make life worth living. At some point, we reach the point where we feel like we're losing ourselves in the hustle and bustle. Mindfulness can help us find our inner balance.

❋ Pause and become more attentive

For some, mindfulness is just a buzzword - but it has a powerful meaning. It is a concept from Buddhist teachings that is primarily about observing your own self and the outside world attentively - without judging or evaluating. Fears, stress and nervousness can be permanently reduced as a result. At the same time, we gain joy, self-confidence and trust.

❋ Experience ourselves and the world with all our senses

Our ears bring sound into our lives. What does birdsong sound like? What does the voice of our loved one sound like? It is just as important to listen to ourselves: What is bothering me right now? What wishes would I like to fulfill? Our eyes bring color into our lives. When we look closely at our surroundings, we don't see black and white, but countless nuances. Seeing also means recognizing the essentials: What is important to me? Which things should I part with? The skin brings closeness into our lives. We come into contact with the outside world and feel a sense of connection. We should also look at our emotions: Am I happy? Am I angry? All feelings are allowed, all are valuable for our lives.

❋ Learning to appreciate the moment

A quote from Buddha says: "Do not run after the past and do not lose yourself in the future." Of course, we can't simply stop thinking about yesterday or tomorrow. But we can start by letting go of thoughts such as "If only I had ..." or "What would happen if ..." and focus on the present. An important new question should then be: "What can I do at this moment so that ..." In this way, we realize that we can influence our lives ourselves - right now.

❋ Take more time for the essentials

Everything around us is becoming increasingly hectic. Uncertainties are increasing, we are working and living multitasking. But the more storms on the outside, the more important it is to find our bearings on the inside. Far too often we say "I just have to do something quickly..." No more of that! From now on, we will take the time we need for important things and not put ourselves under pressure.

❋ Reflect and come to rest

Finding inner peace - this works particularly well with meditation, autogenic training and yoga. The so-called body scan is also very beneficial, in which we gradually become aware of our body - from the top of our head to our toes: This releases tension and gives us serenity.

❋ Be open and be inspired

Mindfulness is not just about being still and listening. It is just as important to observe your surroundings attentively and be inspired by them. What are the people around me doing? What effect does the work of art I am looking at have on me? Whenever we see something we like, we can make it a part of ourselves. We can capture everything that enriches our everyday life.

Taking the fear out of fears

When we look at challenges consciously, we learn to see them for what they really are: Opportunities and possibilities. We don't need to fear them, because we can only learn from them and grow from them. This inner certainty helps us to live out confidence, love and warmth on the outside.

❋ Smile - and give yourself a gift

Mindfulness also means gratitude - for the wonderful people who surround us, the great experiences that enrich us. So let's give ourselves the gift of a positive outlook. Let's reflect on the day in the evening and then let it go in order to be free for tomorrow. For a cheerful start to the day, hang a nice note with the word "smile" in the bathroom - then this positive message will be the first thing that greets us when we get up.

5 exercises for everyday life

When we feel stressed by sensory overload and the hectic pace of life, small time-outs help us to recharge our batteries.

1 Do you have a pet? Then give it a quiet cuddle. Watch how it reacts to your gentle touch. It relaxes you both.

2 Eat consciously. Take your time. Pay close attention to the taste and how good certain foods are for you. Your body will thank you.

3 Go out into the fresh air as often as possible. Let the wind blow around your nose, look at the beauty of trees and water.

4 Find a hobby that inspires your creativity and at the same time helps your mind to switch off - such as knitting or coloring mandalas.

5 Stop for a moment every now and then and try to put the present into words. What do you feel?

You might also be interested in this:
Time to live Part 1: Who dares, wins!
Time to live part 2: The magic of new beginnings
Time to live part 3: "I am great!"
Time to live Part 4: Dare to say "no" more often
Time to live Part 6: On being happy
Time to live Part 7: Learning to let go
Time to live Part 8: The secret of serenity
Time to live Part 9: More me time, please!
Time to live Part 10: Strengthening love!
Time to live Part 11: Become an optimist!
Time to live Part 12: 15 sentences for life
Time to live Part 13: Rituals make our lives easier
Time to live Part 14: Simply switch off for a while