By Lachlan Brown
There’s a thin line between just existing and truly living.
The difference? Mindfulness.
As Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a passionate mindfulness enthusiast, I often get asked about the secret to happiness.
It’s no secret at all, really. It’s about cultivating daily habits that promote mindfulness and joy.
In this piece, I’m excited to share with you 9 habits that can help you live a happier, more mindful life every day. These are practices I’ve learned from mindfulness experts and have integrated into my own life.
They are simple, practical and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. So why not give it a go? After all, life’s too short to just merely exist.
1) Start your day with gratitude
We often begin our days in a rush, already thinking about the tasks that await us. But have you ever tried starting your day with a moment of gratitude?
As a mindfulness enthusiast, I’ve learned the importance of setting the tone for the day ahead. And one of the most powerful ways to do this is by expressing gratitude.
The theory behind this is simple. When we focus on what we’re grateful for, we shift our attention away from negative thoughts and towards positivity.
It’s like watering a plant. The more you water it, the more it grows.
So, every morning, before you get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, take a few minutes to think about something you’re thankful for. It can be as simple as a good night’s sleep or as profound as a loved one.
The goal here is to cultivate an attitude of appreciation that stays with you throughout the day.
It’s not about pretending that everything is perfect. It’s about finding things to be grateful for, even on tough days.
This simple habit can set a positive tone for your day and boost your overall happiness. And trust me, it’s a habit worth forming.
2) Practice mindful breathing
Of all the habits I’ve cultivated, mindful breathing has been a game-changer for me.
Life can get pretty hectic. Between running Hack Spirit, meeting deadlines, and maintaining a balanced personal life, there are moments when I feel overwhelmed.
That’s where mindful breathing comes in.
When I find myself caught up in the whirlwind of my to-do list, I take a moment to focus on my breath. I close my eyes and take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, then exhale slowly.
I like to think of it as hitting the pause button on life.
It’s amazing how such a simple act can have a profound impact. By focusing on my breath, I’m able to bring myself back to the present moment and clear my mind of clutter. The chaos of life fades into the background and I’m able to tackle tasks with a calm and focused mind.
Mindful breathing is more than just a stress-busting technique. It’s a way to anchor ourselves in the here and now. And let’s face it, we could all use a little more presence in our fast-paced lives.
When you feel your anxiety levels rising, give mindful breathing a try. It has helped me immensely, and I bet it will do the same for you.
3) Embrace nature
Have you ever noticed how a walk in the park or a hike in the woods can instantly lift your mood? That’s not just a coincidence.
Research has shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. And it doesn’t take much – even a brief 15-minute walk in a green space can have a positive impact on your mental health.
Take advantage of this natural mood booster by incorporating some outdoor time into your daily routine. It could be as simple as taking a stroll during your lunch break, tending to your garden, or enjoying your morning coffee on the balcony.
While you’re there, try to engage all your senses. Feel the breeze on your skin, listen to the birds chirping, smell the fresh air. This sensory engagement can increase your sense of connection with the natural world and enhance the mindfulness aspect of this habit.
4) Practice non-attachment
Buddhism teaches us the concept of non-attachment, a principle that has significantly influenced my own journey to mindfulness and happiness.
In a nutshell, non-attachment is about understanding the impermanent nature of life and not clinging too tightly to people, possessions, or outcomes. It’s about embracing change and learning to go with the flow of life.
Now, this doesn’t mean you stop caring about your goals or your loved ones. It simply means that you don’t let your happiness depend on external factors.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into the teachings of Buddhism and how they can help us navigate our modern lives with more peace and clarity.
Practicing non-attachment allows us to stay grounded in the present moment. It helps us enjoy life’s pleasures without becoming enslaved by them and handle life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
It’s the clinging to things that often leads to suffering. By practicing non-attachment, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress and open up a path to greater happiness and mindfulness.
It’s a journey worth embarking on, and I invite you to explore it further in my book.
5) Make time for solitude
In our hyperconnected world, solitude is something we often overlook. But it’s a habit I’ve found to be incredibly rewarding.
There was a time when my days were filled with back-to-back meetings, endless emails, and a constant stream of notifications. I felt like I was always on, always available. It was exhausting.
Then, I started carving out moments of solitude in my day. Just a few minutes of quiet. No distractions, no demands, just me and my thoughts.
At first, it was a little uncomfortable. We’re so used to the noise and the rush that silence can feel strange. But over time, I started to find comfort in these moments.
Solitude offers us a chance to check in with ourselves. It allows us to process our thoughts and emotions, to reflect on our actions, and to reconnect with our inner selves.
And contrary to what some might believe, solitude isn’t about isolation or loneliness. It’s about intentionally spending time with yourself – because you’re worth it.
6) Embrace imperfections
Here’s something a bit counter-intuitive: aiming for perfection can sometimes stand in the way of happiness.
We often chase after an idealized version of ourselves or our lives, thinking that we’ll be happy once we’ve reached that perfect state. But the truth is, perfection doesn’t exist.
Instead of striving for perfection, try embracing your imperfections. After all, they make you uniquely you.
This doesn’t mean that you stop trying to improve or grow. It just means accepting yourself as you are right now, flaws and all.
When we stop criticizing ourselves for not being perfect, we free up so much mental space for more positive thoughts and emotions.
7) Cultivate kindness
Kindness might seem like a simple concept, but it’s a powerful habit that can boost your happiness and mindfulness.
When we show kindness to others, we don’t just make them feel good. We feel good too. It’s a win-win situation.
But kindness isn’t just about grand gestures. It can be as simple as a smile, a thank you, or a word of encouragement. These small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone else’s day and in our own.
Moreover, being kind to ourselves is just as important. Often, we are our own harshest critics. But imagine how much happier we could be if we treated ourselves with the same kindness and compassion we offer others.
8) Create a mindfulness routine
Routines get a bad rap sometimes. They’re often seen as boring or restrictive. But I’ve found that having a mindfulness routine can be incredibly beneficial.
Having a routine helps to make mindfulness a part of your everyday life. It becomes less of an “extra” thing you do and more of a natural part of your day.
My personal routine involves starting the day with some quiet reflection time, taking mindful breaks throughout the day, and ending the day with gratitude. Yours might look different, and that’s perfectly okay.
The key is to find what works for you and stick with it. It might take some trial and error, but once you find your rhythm, you’ll start to see the benefits unfold.
Consistency is key when it comes to developing habits. So find your mindfulness routine and make it a part of your daily life.
9) Live in the present
If there’s one thing I want you to remember, it’s this: the present moment is all we truly have.
We often get so caught up in worrying about the future or regretting the past that we forget to live in the here and now. But life is happening right now, in this very moment.
Make it a habit to bring your attention back to the present moment. Notice the sights and sounds around you, feel the ground beneath your feet, listen to your breath.
Living in the present is not always easy, but it’s where real life happens. It’s where joy is found and where mindfulness thrives. So make the most of each moment, because each one is precious.
Final thoughts: Happiness is a journey
I firmly believe that the path to happiness and mindfulness is a journey, not a destination.
It’s about finding joy in the small things, embracing the present moment, and learning to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.
These habits I’ve shared with you are not just about achieving a fleeting sense of happiness. They’re about cultivating a mindset that allows for sustainable joy and mindfulness in everyday life.
And the good news? This journey is accessible to all of us.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into these concepts and provide practical strategies to help you on your journey towards greater mindfulness.
Remember, every step you take towards embracing these habits is a step towards a more mindful, happier life. There may be bumps along the way, but that’s okay. After all, it’s through overcoming challenges that we grow.
So, here’s to your journey. May it be filled with self-discovery, growth, and an abundance of happiness.
Lachlan Brown is the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. Lachlan is a renowned expert in mindfulness, relationships, and personal development.
This article first appeared on the HackSpirit website.