Lately, I’ve been focusing on how to be more mindful in my daily life, and I’ve noticed how much calmer and present I feel. In other words, it’s not about sitting in silence for hours or doing anything complicated – it’s about paying attention to the little moments that usually slip by unnoticed.
You don’t need extra time for this. Mindfulness can happen while drinking your morning coffee, walking to work, or even taking a deep breath before replying to a message. Moreover, if you want extra guidance, the Happier app is a great tool.
It’s filled with guided meditations, breathing exercises, and simple ways to slow down and reset – even if you only have a minute. In fact, if you’ve been meaning to try meditation but don’t know where to start, this app makes it easy. You can even try it for free here!
Research shows that mindfulness can significantly reduce stress, improve focus, and even boost your mood.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. You can read the full disclosure here.
Here are 50 simple ways to be more mindful every day.
Morning Mindfulness
Mornings set the tone for the day, so why not start with a little more calm and intention? Here are some easy ways to be more mindful as soon as you wake up.
- Take three deep breaths before getting out of bed
- Stretch and notice how your body feels
- Drink water slowly and mindfully
- Avoid checking your phone first thing
- Listen to a 10-minute guided meditation (The Happier app has great ones!)
- Set a one-word intention for the day
- Do a 2-minute gratitude reflection
- Open a window and take in the fresh air
- Feel the warmth of your shower or water on your skin
- Eat breakfast slowly and mindfully (no scrolling!)
If you need more gratitude ideas, check out 60 Things to Be Grateful For Today.
Mindfulness at Work
Workdays can feel like a blur, but you don’t have to be on autopilot. These little mindfulness tricks can help you be more mindful at work, even on the busiest days.
- Do one task at a time (no multitasking!)
- Take a 60-second breathing break
- Feel your feet on the ground while sitting
- Listen fully when someone speaks
- Step outside for fresh air
- Pause and stretch for 30 seconds every hour
- Take a mindful sip of water, noticing the taste and temperature
- Set an intention before starting a new task
- Breathe deeply and release tension in your shoulders
- Take a deep breath before sending an email or message
Mindful Eating
Eating should be an experience, not something you rush through while scrolling on your phone. Try these mindful eating habits to be more mindful with your meals.
- Eat without distractions (no phone or TV)
- Chew slowly and savor every bite
- Notice the flavors, textures, and smells
- Pause halfway through and check in with your hunger
- Express gratitude for your meal
- Take a deep breath before your first bite
- Enjoy each bite before taking the next
- Pay attention to how different foods make you feel
- Serve your food on a plate instead of eating from the package
- Listen to your body’s signals – eat when hungry, stop when full
Related post: 15 Powerful Ways to Improve Your Life in Just 5 Minutes.
Mindfulness in Daily Life
Mindfulness isn’t just for meditation—it’s for everyday moments, too. These simple habits will help you be more mindful as you go through your day.
- Walk without rushing
- Pay attention to nature (clouds, birds, trees)
- Feel the water on your skin while washing your hands
- Listen to music and focus on each sound
- Take a deep breath before sending a text
- Set a mindfulness reminder on your phone (like “Breathe”)
- Feel your feet touching the ground as you walk
- Smile at yourself in the mirror – genuinely!
- Notice five things you can see, hear, and feel around you
- Feel the texture of objects you touch (your clothes, a book, a cup)
Evening Wind-Down
The way you end your day matters. Instead of mindlessly scrolling until you pass out, try these mindful practices to be more mindful before bed.
- Sip tea slowly and feel the warmth
- Light a candle and enjoy its glow
- Do a short guided meditation (Try the Happier app!)
- Stretch before bed and notice how your body feels
- Breathe in for four seconds, hold for seven, exhale for eight before bed
- Journal about your thoughts to clear your mind
- Lie in bed and do a full-body relaxation scan
- Listen to calming nature sounds instead of scrolling
- Write three things you’re grateful for
- Fall asleep focusing on your breathing instead of your thoughts
Don’t miss out: How to Create a Calming Evening Routine for Better Sleep.
Conclusion
You don’t have to do all 50 of these every day. In fact, even choosing just a few can help you feel calmer, more focused, and present. Mindfulness isn’t about adding more to your to-do list – rather, it’s about noticing what’s already there.
To be more mindful, try slowing down and paying attention to the little things. For example, feel your breath, savor your meals, listen fully when someone speaks. These small shifts can change the way you move through your day.
If you want extra support, the Happier app is a great way to start. Their guided meditations and mindfulness exercises make it easy to be more mindful, even on busy days. You can try it for free and see how it fits into your routine.
At the end of the day, mindfulness isn’t about perfection. Ultimately, it’s about presence. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to be more mindful in everything you do.
