Turn waiting time into wellness with these mindful exercises
What's the story
We all feel that waiting time is wasted time, but what if it isn't?
What if you could turn idle time into a time to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate your mind?
By turning mindful exercises inspired by the nature into these moments, you can do just that.
The exercises are inspired by nature and promote calmness and presence. Here are ways you can incorporate them into everyday waiting times.
Ocean waves
Deep breathing inspired by ocean waves
Deep breathing exercises can be compared to the rhythm of ocean waves.
By concentrating on slow, deep breaths that follow this natural rhythm, you can tame stress and be more mindful.
The exercise requires you to inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth slowly.
Doing this during waiting times helps in calming your mind.
Tree imagery
Grounding techniques using tree imagery
Grounding techniques using tree imagery involves visualizing yourself as a strong tree with roots going deep into the earth.
This image promotes stability and balance while waiting in line or sitting in traffic.
By picturing roots growing from their feet into the ground, people can feel more centered and connected to their surroundings.
Forest stroll
Mindful walking like a forest stroll
Like a leisurely stroll through a forest, mindful walking is an exercise that mimics it.
It involves paying close attention to every step you take, feeling the ground beneath your feet, and observing surrounding sights and sounds (without judgment).
This practice boosts awareness of the present moment when you go for short walks or pacing in waiting areas.
Cloud watching
Cloud watching for mental clarity
Cloud watching is an exercise that encourages you to look at the clouds as they float in the sky without attaching any thoughts or judgments to them.
The practice promotes mental clarity as you let thoughts float by like clouds, without dwelling on them.
It works particularly well when you're waiting outside, or near windows with a view of clouds.
Nature sounds
Listening to nature sounds for relaxation
Listening to nature sounds (birds chirping, leaves rustling) has a relaxing effect during times we spend outdoors waiting or even indoors with recorded sounds on our devices.
Paying attention to these natural sounds diverts our attention from stressors to calmness that lies within the music of nature.