It’s been more than a year since the pandemic started, and right now, we’ve all probably developed some sort of anxiety towards the future.
2020 has indeed proven that anything can change in a snap, but it also shows us that there’s no need to worry about the future because we have little to no control over it. By now, you should be living in the moment. Appreciate the present moment and learn to just soak in what you have right now rather than worrying about the future or thinking of what you could have done better in the past.
Allow Yourself to Feel
When you have certain emotions towards a situation, let yourself go through these emotions because this is how you can accept your reality. For instance, if you need to grieve, then go through grief. Feel it so you can get it over with. And if you’re feeling happy, take that happiness, amplify it so you can really live in the moment and enjoy the high you’re getting from this emotion.
Lighten Up
It’s okay to be responsible and think of all the things you need to attend to, but don’t forget to lighten up. Ask yourself, when was the last time you laughed out loud? Or better yet, when was the last time you laughed at yourself? When we make mistakes, we often beat ourselves up over them that we can’t seem to live in the present because we get so obsessed about how we could have done things right. Learn to laugh about these hiccups as it also helps to relieve the stress you get from said mistakes.
Stop and Pay Attention
Take a close look at your surroundings right now and appreciate the beauty unfolding right in front of you. You will realize how many things you take for granted because you’re too worried about the future. If you acknowledge the beauty of your current situation, it will be easier for you to live in the present.
Be Thankful
Be grateful for everything. You don’t want to go as far as comparing your life to those who are unfortunate, but if that’s what it takes for you to appreciate the present moment more, then you can do it. Because in reality, someone is doing worse than you right now. As long as you have a roof over your head, food on your plate, and the ability to make a living, then you have more than enough to live for.
Unplug
Being online really takes a toll on our mental health. Social media is a great tool for communicating and maintaining relationships. Still, we don’t know how ungrateful we become of our present lives because of how we see others portray their own. Disconnect from the internet a couple of hours a day and give your digital routine a rest. Go outside, appreciate nature and soak up the sun.
Remember that your happiness doesn’t really depend on what you have, how you look like, what your career is, and factors like this. There are a lot of successful and rich people who still find it hard to be happy. Happiness comes from within and starts by living in the moment.
