It can be easy to rush through life without stopping to notice much. Paying more attention to the present moment, to your own thoughts and feelings and to the world around you, can improve your metal wellbeing.
Some people call this awareness ‘mindfulness’ and you can take steps to develop it in your own life. Becoming more aware of the present moment means noticing the sights and smells, sounds and tastes that you experience, as well as the thoughts and feeling that occur from one moment until the next.
Mindfulness can help us enjoy the world more and understand ourselves better.
Tips and ideas
Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.
Taking notice is one of the Five ways to Wellbeing, evidence based steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing developed by the New Economics Foundation. The other ways are: Connect, Get Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. Take a look at our other tips for staying well.
