3 easy ways to practice mindfulness

At MiiRO, we love using our ice cream eating time as a time to wonder 💆‍♀️. So much so, we based our company name on it (Miro in Latin = “to wonder!”). When we take the time to both enjoy and focus our attention on our ice cream, we found it even more mood boosting than usual. We’ve done some research and we’re not alone. Mindfulness is a hot topic right now, so we’ve compiled the very best and most effective ways to infuse your day with mindfulness; to enhance your overall wellbeing.

Mindfulness 101

Mindfulness exercises are a way to pay attention to the present moment. As well as yoga and meditation, there are also breathing techniques and tips that will help you become aware of sensations instead of being overwhelmed. So, in short you’ll feel less frazzled by the end of your day- WIN! We could all do with going a little easier on ourselves. So why not try these tips to look after your mind as well as your body?

1. Sparing 1 Minute

This can be done anytime you feel lost, confused or frustrated, so you may have to do this frequently and that is ok. Set a timer on your phone and allow yourself one minute to focus entirely on your breathing. If you feel your mind wander, simply drop that thought and bring your attention back, using your breath as the anchor.
Note: This is an excellent way to reduce your levels of stress or aggravation.
Mantra: “Your breathing is your greatest friend. Return to it in all your troubles and you will find comfort and guidance.” Unknown

2. Mindfulness Eating

This requires you to turn off all distractions (yes that includes your smartphone, headphones and computer screen) to allow you to focus on the present and eat with awareness. Do this by paying attention to taste, texture, smell and eating slowly. Slowing down and taking in the moment has been shown to aid a healthier body. So when you next pick up your MiiRO, enjoy the sensation of your tongue warming up the ice cream and be present. We’ve done the portion control for you so you can focus on the good stuff.
Tip: When eating your main meals, wait until you’ve swallowed before you pick up for fork for the next bite. This will insert an air of calm into your mindful moment, by bringing new life and energy into your day.
Mantra: “When you discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.” – Jean Shinoda Bolen

3. Urge Surfing

Urge Surfing is a mindfulness technique used to help with any destructive impulses or cravings. Instead of supressing these feelings which usually feeds the urges, try observing the nature of the urge and notice the physical sensations, such as tension or irritability. Cravings will change, crest and subside like a wave (hence urge surfing), the key is to notice how the experience affects the body with interest and remain present for at least 1 minute. Don’t forget that urges do weaken and subside, knowing this will help you to continue to surf the impulses that you feel, especially in response to your personal triggers (like messaging an ex or other unhealthy cravings.)
Mantra: “Self-discipline is self-caring” – M. Scott Peck

Little changes to your day to day life can take you out of auto-pilot mode and take back your attention. So let’s engage our mindfulness and miss less of the good and sweet things in life!

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