How to Practice Mindfulness
Living with purpose is such a great way to bring intention into your day-to-day life. When you’re really present, you can feel that sense of fulfillment in how you’re living. These tips on how to practice mindfulness will help you bring more simplicity, focus, and joy into your everyday moments so you can end your days happy and more fulfilled.
This guide to simple living starts with you and how you approach each day, beginning the moment you wake up. Start your day on a positive note, and you’ll set yourself up for a more intentional and fulfilling day ahead.
My life used to feel like I was stuck on a hamster wheel. From the moment I woke up, it was all about diving into my never-ending to-do list, just trying to check things off. Most nights, I’d collapse into bed, completely drained, with no real sense of what, if anything, meaningful had happened that day.
It felt like I was living on autopilot. Sure, I have some fond memories from those times, but honestly, there are so many days I feel like I just let slip by, with nothing to really mark their passing.
The idea of living with intention has been gaining a lot of attention recently, thanks to the growing focus on balance and self-care. But it’s more than just a trendy habit—it’s about being aware of your thoughts and actions so you can consciously choose to live in a way that truly aligns with your values and goals.
What is Mindful Living
Mindful living is all about being fully present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It’s about slowing down and really noticing the world around you—whether it’s savoring your morning coffee, appreciating the sound of birds outside, or simply being aware of your breathing. Instead of rushing through life on autopilot, mindful living encourages you to engage with each moment intentionally and with purpose.
At its core, it’s about giving yourself the space to align your actions with what really matters to you. When you’re more aware of how you’re spending your time, you can make choices that feel more fulfilling. It’s not about striving for perfection or a stress-free life—it’s about finding balance and learning to respond to life with intention instead of just reacting to everything that comes your way.
How to Practice Mindfulness
For so many of us midlife women, life can feel like a constant balancing act. With responsibilities pulling us in every direction, finding time for ourselves often feels impossible. That’s where mindfulness comes in—not as another task to “check off,” but as a way to move through your days with more ease, presence, and joy.
By sprinkling moments of mindfulness into your home, relationships, and daily routines, you can create a life that feels calmer, simpler, and more connected to the things that truly matter.
Start with Your Home
The outside world can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is why your home should be a place that helps you recharge, let go of the stress of the day, and have a sense of overall comfort and coziness.
Light a softly scented candle or play soothing music while you go about everyday tasks like cooking, folding laundry, or straightening up. Pay special attention to your bedroom—it can become a retreat that helps you let go of the day’s stress.
Here are a few simple ways to make your bedroom feel more restorative:
- Clear off your nightstand and keep only the essentials.
- Add soft textures, like a cozy blanket, to make the space more inviting.
- Invest in a supportive pillow that’s gentle on your neck.
- Create a bedtime routine that includes reading, journaling, or reflecting on your day.
Simplifying your home by reducing excess and organizing what you have can completely transform how it feels. When everything has its place and clutter is minimized, it’s easier to feel more focused and relaxed.
Action Tip: Spend just 10 minutes clearing one area—it’s a quick win that can leave you feeling accomplished and more at ease.
Starting the Day Mindfully
Mindfulness doesn’t just make your space feel better; it transforms your outlook. By focusing on the present moment, you start to notice the little joys around you. Maybe it’s that first sip of coffee in the morning, the sound of a red Robin outside your window, or a big bear hug from your grandchild. These small moments can become the highlights of your day when you approach life with awareness.
Action Tip: Instead of rushing through the morning, consider starting a few minutes earlier and make time to breathe. Sit by a window, watch the sun begin to rise, and take a moment to list one or two things you’re grateful for. It can shift your whole perspective for the day ahead.
Be Present in the Moment
Ever finish a task and realize you don’t remember a single thing about it? It’s so easy to slip into autopilot and let your mind wander. Instead, try focusing fully on what you’re doing. If you’re making breakfast, notice the smells and sounds in the kitchen, the textures of the ingredients, and the flavors of your food. Being present like this not only helps you feel more mindful, but it can also lower stress and boost your productivity.
Action Tip: The next time you’re doing something, stay in the moment and pay attention to the little details. You’ll enjoy the experience more and even improve your memory and well-being.
Practice Mindful Eating
An easy way to add a little mindfulness to your day is through the way you eat. It’s all about slowing down and really noticing the flavors, textures, and sensations of each bite, while also listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Being more mindful when you eat will help you feel better and even look better.
Action Tip: At your next meal, pause for a moment to take in how your food looks and smells. As you eat, focus on each bite—notice the taste, the texture, and how it feels. It’s a small shift that can make a big difference.
Making Time for Family
Spending even a few intentional minutes with your kids or grandkids does wonders—not just for them but for you too. Ask about their day, play a quick game together, or share a story. These little moments build connections that mean the world to them and create lasting memories for you.
It doesn’t have to be elaborate; even listening intently while a grandchild tells you a story can be an act of mindfulness, as you’re fully present and engaged in the moment.
Action Tip: Try playing the “high/low” game with your kids or grandkids. Ask them to share the best part of their day (the high) and the toughest part (the low). It’s a fun way to spark meaningful conversations, and it also helps them start thinking more intentionally about their experiences.
Losing Yourself in Creativity
Starting a new hobby is another great way to practice mindfulness, especially if it pulls you away from technology and into your creativity. Try picking up something you’ve always wanted to try:
- Knitting or crocheting a new warm blanket for your bed.
- Painting a picture or rocks that you can place around your flower beds.
- Baking a new recipe or trying your hand at making bread.
- Do word games or learn how to play chess with your spouse.
These kinds of activities keep your hands moving, your mind focused, and can lead to those magical moments where time just flies by. Not sure where to start? Think back to something you loved doing as a kid and give it a try!
Mandala Rock Painting Kit – Mandala Dotting Tools Kit – Large Wooden Rocks for Painting, Mandala Stencils, Acrylic Paints, Dotting Tools for Painting Rocks – Mandala Dot Art Kit for Adults & Kids
The Woobles Beginners Crochet Kit with Easy Peasy Yarn as seen on Shark Tank – with Step-by-Step Video Tutorials – Pierre The PenguinAliggbent 28Pcs Sourdough Bread Baking Supplies, 10” Round & 10” Oval Banneton Bread Proofing Baskets with Liners, Starter Bread Making Tools Kit Proofing Bowls for Sourdough Bread Rising and Baking
Action Tip: Set aside at least 30 minutes at the end of each day to work on your hobby. Not only will it help reduce stress, but it can help clear your mind of negative clutter that might have crept in during the day.
Walking Toward Reflection
There’s something restorative about getting outside, especially with mindfulness in mind. Take a slow walk around your neighborhood or through a nearby park. Tune in to the sounds around you, breathe deeply, and notice the colors of the leaves or the way the sunlight hits the trees.
Walking presents a great opportunity for self-reflection, too. Use this time to ask yourself questions like, “What’s one thing I can be proud of today?” or “How can I bring more joy into my life?”
Action Tip: The next time you go for a walk, leave your phone behind (or on silent) and focus fully on the moment. Challenge yourself to notice five things you can see, four things you can hear, and three things you can feel—it’s a simple way to ground yourself and stay present.
5 Simple Ways to Start Today
If you’re ready to begin your mindfulness journey, here are five small and easy things you can try right now to bring more balance and joy to your day:
- Take three deep breaths before moving on to your next task. Focus on nothing but how the air feels as it enters and leaves your body.
- Declutter one small space, like a drawer or a shelf, to create a sense of calm in your surroundings.
- Spend five minutes outside, even if it’s just sitting in your backyard or balcony to feel the fresh air.
- Try a gratitude practice, like naming three things you’re thankful for today.
- Put down your phone and pick up a book, hobby, or even just a pen and paper to doodle for a few minutes.
Mindfulness isn’t about changing your entire life all at once; it’s about finding those small, meaningful moments where you can slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s through a quiet house, time with family, or a peaceful walk, it’s about relishing the little things that bring joy and peace to your days.
How to Practice Mindfulness in simple ways that can really change your days from sunup to sundown.
More Tips on Simple Living:
Try a few of these tips to help create a home that is less chaotic and more simplified so you can turn in into a haven you truly love to be in.
