Therapy in Chester, NJ
Living in the moment could be difficult when it feels like the weight of the world has created a home on your shoulders. It is hard to appreciate something good or enjoy yourself even for a little bit when your mind is consumed by your lengthy to-do list or an unbearable amount of anxiety. However, it is extremely important to dissociate from the stress and the mess throughout your days. Leaving little time for joy is only going to magnify everything and make it all seem so much worse and paralyzing. It will make the tough moments more difficult to get through. Here are some tips on how to live in the moment regardless of what is going on around you.
Learn and decide to click pause. If you are feeling happy in a present moment, allow it. Try not to stop yourself just because you know that you have things to be sad about! Both emotions are allowed to exist within the same day. If you are going to attend something that is supposed to be positive and fun, give yourself permission to pause all of the bad. Nothing is going to change or worsen because you've enjoyed some time in your day. If anything, the opposite is likely to happen.
Intentionally seek joy - make plans that you know have the potential to bring you happiness - something that is supposed to be enjoyable. Treat this as an appointment - appreciate it while you are there without worrying about what else you could be doing - this is an appointment, and therefore it is equally as important as anything else.
Stop yourself several times throughout your days to really hone in on what you are doing in that moment - this is a form of mindfulness. Focus on and really think about how you feel, and just let yourself truly feel it.
Regularly reflect on the things that you are grateful for - whether it be something as seemingly small as the iced coffee you had this morning, or something on a larger scale, such as the family you've raised. Being aware of the goodwill makes it easier and more natural to enjoy a moment in which the good is present.
Life is full of ups and downs. It's unrealistic to think that life should always be good. Don't live your life waiting for the other shoe to drop. Let yourself enjoy the good moments. Use this knowledge as a reminder that the tough times won't last either - so you might as well enjoy whatever great moment you find yourself in. Allow for it all - the good and the bad.
Being mindful can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life. No one is without problems, insecurities, worries, etc. Going through rough times and having life veer away from what you wanted it to do not mean that you have to rob yourself of the many joys that life has to offer. The bad does not have to take away from the good.
If you need help with being mindful of living in the moment I am always here to help.
Call us at Modern Family Counseling at 732-742-0329 for more information about our services or to schedule an appointment with our therapists!