How to Live in the Present Moment: 7 Intentional Practices

Are you on a mission to live a more fulfilled life? Or learn how to live in the present moment? Today, on mrsprofresh.com, I am sharing seven intentional practices to help you live a more fulfilling life. After all, as I always say, life is too short.

Over the years, I’ve accumulated habits that have helped me live a conscious and wholesome life. There is nothing more that I desire than to live in the present moment because I am aware that one day, these too, will be “the good old days”. Although I say that, don’t be fooled, I am constantly working hard to ensure my present is always better than my past.

7 Intentional Practices to Live in the Present Moment

Focus on your breathing, especially nasal breathing. There are so many studies that back up the benefits of breathing through the nose, the biggest one being that the amount of oxygen inhaled influences the amount of energy released into our body cells, which ultimately affects our physiology. If you are not used to breathing through your nose, try setting an alarm (or reminder) on your phone to remind you to take deep breaths throughout the day. This practice has helped me become more present and aware, especially when my thoughts are going wild about the future, things, or ideas I have yet to execute. Taking deep breaths is incredibly underrated and should be at the top of everyone’s to-do list.
Put the phone, or other electronic devices, away. Man, oh man, the power of REAL human connection. If you truly want to learn how to live in the present moment, I challenge you to put the phone away any time you are at the dinner table, or eating, for a period of time. Whether you decide to try this for one week, two weeks, or three months, set it as a goal and do it. Changing bad habits begins with one bad habit at a time.
Focus on your surroundings. Have you ever gone for a walk around the neighborhood only to question yourself how did you end up at your front door without being truly aware of the walk back home? This has happened to me before, and let me tell you, it felt scary. But the truth is, that’s the power of our brain (and memory). We, humans, are constantly on autopilot, and while there’s some beauty to that, there is WAY more beauty in the environment surrounding us. To live in the present moment, you must learn to focus on what is in front of you, whether it’s people or experiences.
Check-in with yourself. Before falling asleep each night, I check-in with my body. Is anything sore? Achy? Sensitive? Tense? Afterwards, I meditate by focusing on certain parts of the body and picture them healing, making a full recovery. I end up sleeping like a baby and wake up feeling refreshed. The point is, I avoid worrying about the things I couldn’t get done, or anything that will make my anxiety levels go up. (Ahem, like checking my phone. In fact, the phone isn’t at my bedside anymore.)
Turn off (or limit) notifications on every device such as a computer or cell phone. I have my notifications turned off for EVERY social media platform. This has helped me stay focused throughout the workday or when I am hanging out with loved ones. It’s nice living in the present moment and giving those I love undivided attention.
Turn off the music, tv, and learn to sit in silence. Listen, I love having background music, especially when I am working, but sometimes it’s good to sit with the thoughts, feelings, and emotions in pure silence, and process whatever is consuming our mental space. Having said that, journaling could be a great habit to pick-up for those moments of silence. You can pour everything happening in your mind onto a piece a paper and relieve some of that stress or anxiety. Journaling always brings me to the present moment.
Sit in nature and study it. This is probably my most favorite thing to do. I love going on walks and observing the birds, caterpillars, or simply studying the changing colors of the leaves. I love love love doing this, especially with Jose because it’s a time for connection. No cell phones, or distractions, just us.

How do you plan to live more intentionally? Will you implement any (or all) of the above seven practices? Is there something else that helps you live in the present moment? Please feel free to comment below, email me at sonia@mrsprofresh.com, or shoot me a direct message on Instagram. I’d LOVE to hear from you!