5 Mindfulness Activities that will make you Smile
How often do you find yourself deep in thought and realise you are frowning? Or you are running through the errands of the day and realise you haven’t smiled for the last four hours?
We all get caught up in the daily chores, focusing on what needs to be done by a certain time so that the household doesn’t fall apart. But what if we could do all of these mundane tasks with a smile on our face? Not a fake smirk that has been plastered on but a genuine smile that has been cultivated from pure joy.
We are sharing five quick mindfulness activities that will spark a smile in an instant that you can practice by yourself or with your family – however you wish.
1. List three people that you are grateful for and why. This can be written down or just said out loud. But you’ll be sure to notice a little smile of happiness sneak onto your lips as your list your gratitude.
2. Spend quality time with your pets. It doesn’t matter what type of pet you have it is always refreshing to be in the present moment with them. If you don’t have a pet, you can spend time with a pet of a friend or family member. Your pets just want to be loved and cuddled. Seeing your pet joyful and excited will plonk a big grin on your face.
3. Hug a loved one. Embracing a friend or family member instantly connects the both of you. It can be easy to rush the hug but try and intentionally hold the embrace for 30 seconds and notice the emotions that arise within you. A loving smile is bound to appear.
4. Colour in a picture. As adults we rarely find time to sit and colour in a picture. It is an activity that we encourage children to do for creativity and joyful purposes, so why not do it for ourselves too? Taking time to be present with our own creativity and imagination is a great way to bring a smile to your face.
5. Taking time to relax. This looks different for everyone. It could be a bubble bath, guided meditation, a walk outside, sitting quietly with a book and cup of tea or enjoying some delicious chocolate. Whatever activity relaxes and rejuvenates you, will have a smile beaming from ear to ear.
There are so many more activities and moments throughout the day that can make you smile. Be present in those moments and let the joy, love, excitement and positivity fill you.