Being mindful is actively being aware and present in the moment.
It’s a term being thrown around a lot in the past couple of years, by why?

Well research shows it reduces stress, helps with emotional regulation, helps with focusing and concentration and increases self-awareness.

Okay. But how?

Your brain is a muscle. Whatever neuron networks you use more they get stronger.
So, every time you are anxious you are building your anxious networks.
Every time you are focused and productive, you are building your focused and productive networks.

When we practice mindfulness we become more aware of thinking and emotions.
This causes the mind to become more settled, so our nervous system and cognitive functions can take in more accurate information, helping us build are prefrontal cortex - our thinking brain.

This will then help you make sure your thinking brain stays in charge even in emotional situations.

The more mindful you are, the easier it is to improve cognitive functions and vice versa.

There’s also been a lot of research that mindful people are happier.
But why?

Different experts will say different things, like you start noticing the small things you haven't noticed before.

Personally, I think the reason it works, is by understanding the opposite -
When are people most stressed, overwhelmed or not happy?

When they are trying to do many things at the same time (and being mindful of none)
When you're trying to respond to client, while answering your child on the phone and thinking that you’ve got a meeting in 2 minutes, you're stressed, not mindful and not happy at all.

By staying focused and being mindful on one task at a time, you’re much more likely, NOT to have all the stress.

1. Obvious we're starting with meditation.
I personally hated meditation for the longest time. I tried it a few times and would just get frustrated that my mind was going everywhere. Till I learned the following point that switched everything for me.
It is NORMAL if your mind wonders. It means your meditating. It means your mind is working.
The way I like to do it is focus on one word, for example, “JOY” saying it over and over in my head. I visualize it. What does it the word JOY look like in my head. For some reason, for me, I see the letter J-O-Y made out of yellowish fire and that’s what I focus on.
If I find myself thinking another thought, I remember it’s okay and bring it back to the word.
Also, I don’t do it for long. Usually not more than 5 minutes. You do what works for you.

2. Something that might be a little easier is Mindful Breathing. Simply focusing on your breath for a few moments each day.
In & out.
What does it feel like?
What does it sound like?
Just experiencing your own breath can bring your heart rate down.

3. Informal Mindfulness is the official term of being aware of where you are and what you are doing.
Currently you're reading this blog post. Maybe your also watching your child or taking notes.
Be aware of the five sense, the experience will help you be mindful.