MENTAL HEALTH: The Power of being Present

Over the last few months I've immersed myself in two remarkable books: 'The Book of Joy' and 'The Power of Now.' Both explore a shared theme — the significance of embracing the present moment. This prompted me to reflect on some intrusive thought patterns (anxiety and stress about tomorrow and regrets about the past) that distract me from the present and what I do to address them: 

What do I do to intercept?

🧘 Daily Meditation: Mindful processing and compartmentalization of worry, stress, anxiety, regrets and resentments. This sets the tone for a focused and present mindset for the rest of my day.

🏋️‍♂️ Daily Exercise and Reading:  Physical and mental training through focused breaks organically reminds my mind how it feels to be present.

👁️‍🗨 Bird's Eye View: Giving myself time and freedom to step back, observe, and intercept intrusive thoughts before they hijack emotions and lead to non-present behavior.

📝 Closing the Book and Planning Ritual: End-of-day reflection and planning allow me to consciously close the day's work and prepare for the day to follow, putting to bed anything that doesn’t need to transition with me.

👫 Quality Time: Spending quality time alone or with loved ones and enjoying the present moment, free of any guilt about other commitments. Mindful always that every day I must “close the book” on the day's work.

The impact?

✅ Productivity: Maximizing my willpower by directing focus to the present is leading to higher output and quality results

✅ Mental Well-being: Consciously embracing the present and planning for the future is significantly reducing anxiety and stress; and keeping me in control

✅ Relationships: Truly being present, actively listening and engaging is evident in my improved personal relationships, (even with my dog!)

✅ Education: I am listening more; learning more and most importantly - retaining better

Photo: Christmas dinner cooking with my father (left) and brother (middle)