Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, has become a buzzword in today’s fast-paced world.

The benefits of mindfulness – such as reduced stress and anxiety, better focus and improved overall well-being – have been widely acknowledged by researchers and practitioners alike.

But how can one become more mindful? The good news is that mindfulness is a skill that can be cultivated through regular practice. Here are 7 habits of highly mindful people that you can start incorporating into your daily routine:.

Habit 1: Starting the day with intention

Highly mindful people begin their day with intention, taking time to set goals and establish a clear focus for the day ahead. This helps them to stay centered and grounded amid the distractions and chaos of everyday life.

Some ways to establish intention include:.

Meditation or deep breathing to calm the mind and clarify thoughts
Journaling to reflect on the previous day and set intentions for the current day
Visualizing desired outcomes and goals for the day

Habit 2: Cultivating mindful awareness

Mindful awareness can be described as being fully present in the moment, with a non-judgmental and curious attitude. This habit can be honed through practices such as:.

Mindful breathing
Sensory awareness, such as tuning in to sounds, sights and smells around you
Mindful movement, such as yoga or tai chi

Habit 3: Practicing self-care

Highly mindful people recognize the importance of taking care of themselves in order to better care for others. This includes:.

Healthy eating habits
Regular physical activity
Adequate sleep
Maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships and work

Habit 4: Engaging in mindful communication

Mindful communication involves being fully present and attentive in conversations, with a genuine desire to understand and connect with others. This can be achieved by:.

Listening actively and without judgment
Being curious and asking open-ended questions
Speaking thoughtfully and with respect for others

Habit 5: Letting go of distractions

Highly mindful people recognize the way that distractions can pull us away from the present moment. Some steps to take in order to reduce the impact of distractions include:.

Limiting time spent on social media and other digital distractions
Making conscious choices about how to spend one’s time
Taking breaks to recharge and return to the present moment

Habit 6: Practicing gratitude

Gratitude is an important component of mindfulness, as it cultivates a sense of appreciation for the present moment. Some ways to practice gratitude include:.

Keeping a gratitude journal
Taking time to notice and appreciate the beauty around you
Expressing gratitude to others

Habit 7: Embracing imperfection

Mindful people recognize that perfection is unattainable and can lead to stress and anxiety. By embracing imperfection, one can cultivate a sense of self-compassion and acceptance. Some ways to embrace imperfection include:.

Acknowledging mistakes as opportunities for growth
Letting go of the need to always be in control
Accepting oneself as flawed and perfectly imperfect

By integrating these habits into one’s daily routine, one can become more mindful and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and awareness.