This post is sponsored by NOW Foods. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
We often wait for the big moments—weddings, births, vacations, graduations—counting down and preparing for them. Those events bring lots of joy, but there’s also real magic in the everyday routine if we notice it.
With a few small shifts in how we see things, more attention to our senses, and a bit of mindfulness, ordinary moments can sparkle. We tend to operate on autopilot and miss what’s around us. Pausing to really think about what you’re doing and considering other perspectives helps you be more present. Mindfulness can turn boring tasks into fresh experiences. Whether you add gratitude to your day, tune into your senses, or try looking at things from someone else’s viewpoint, being more mindful can change how you see the world.
The good news: you don’t need a lot of extra time to be more mindful or to meditate. Short moments of presence during your day can boost your mental and physical well-being. Below are simple ideas to help you love the life you have—through the mundane, the momentous, and everything in between.
How to Find Magic in the Mundane
Cooking
Cooking can feel like a chore, but it’s a great chance to practice mindfulness. While cooking and eating, tune into your senses: smell, touch, sight, taste, and hearing. Notice if the dish smells sweet, spicy, or sharp. How does it feel—smooth or textured? Does the color change as it cooks? Listen for the sizzle or the bubbling. Taste each ingredient and notice how flavors change.
Another mindful practice is tracing food’s journey from field to plate. Think about the sun, rain, and pollinators, and all the people who help move food from farms to stores—farmers, packers, drivers, and stockers. It’s remarkable how many hands and forces bring simple meals to our tables.
Breath Meditation
When stress appears, one or two minutes of breath meditation can help a lot. “Take a deep breath” is sound advice for a reason—breath work can lower anxiety, sharpen focus, improve sleep, and support heart health. A simple beginner practice is Shamatha, or “breathing as is,” a reset breath to bring you back to the present. You can do it anywhere—at lunch, in the car line, or while waiting for the bus.
How to Practice Breath Meditation
Sit or stand comfortably with a tall spine. Notice the weight of your body where it meets the ground. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Observe your natural breath without trying to change it. Feel your belly rise and fall. Notice the air at your nostrils—cool or warm? If your thoughts wander, just acknowledge them and return to the breath. Beginners can use a simple mantra, like “I am” on the inhale and “calm” or “safe” on the exhale. Placing a hand on your heart or belly can help you connect with your breathing.
Play
As adults, we forget how joyful play can be. Not everything needs to be serious. Notice the world with a childlike eye—the breeze in your hair, laughter, small movements, ants crossing the pavement. Let yourself enjoy simple, playful moments.
Morning Coffee or Tea Meditation
Connecting mindfulness to a daily habit makes it easier to stick with. A coffee or tea break under five minutes is a quick way to add calm to your morning.
How to Do a Tea or Coffee Meditation
Sit comfortably and hold your cup with both hands. Notice sensations: the warmth on your palms, the texture of the mug, the aroma rising from the cup. Pause and notice how your body responds. Take your first sip and stay with the taste and feeling.
Savor Nature
Finding little ways to connect with nature can lift ordinary moments. Whether you’re grabbing the mail, walking to the bus, or taking a stroll, take a short break to notice the outdoors. If possible, take off your shoes and feel the ground, enjoy the sun or breeze, watch bees or bugs, listen for birds or frogs, and take in the colors and textures around you.
Connecting with Loved Ones
With constant distractions, it’s easy to go through the motions without truly connecting. Each day, set aside time to disconnect from devices and to-do lists and be fully present with someone you care about. Look them in the eye, listen closely, and give them your full attention.
Waiting in Line at the Store
Lines can feel like wasted time, but they’re a chance to pause. Use that waiting time to notice your surroundings, daydream, or simply breathe. These small pauses can be surprisingly refreshing.
Skincare Routine
Skincare routines can seem tedious, but they’re an easy way to add mindfulness to your day. Slowing down your routine can feel like an act of self-care. As you apply creams, serums, or oils, notice the scents, textures, and the way your skin responds. Choose products that nourish your skin with natural ingredients and appreciate their benefits.
Featured Products I Recommend
Herbal Tea: NOW Foods offers lots of teas for different moods. Black tea is great for a morning pick-me-up (try adding a bit of manuka honey). Hibiscus tea is light and fruity for summer—delicious iced. In the evening, I love a Nighttime tea with spearmint and chamomile to help unwind.
Skin Care: Facial oils have become a favorite in my routine. The Balance Facial Oil leaves skin soft, nourished, and hydrated with a blend of natural oils. I like using it with a vibrating t-wand or gua sha stone for a mindful pampering session.
Protein Powders and Smoothie Add-Ins: Summer means smoothies for me. A good protein powder (this one tastes great and digests easily) boosts nutrition. I also add nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit for texture and flavor.
Save 20% on your entire order at NowFoods.com with code AMBER.
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