Last Updated on 15 May 2021 by Lily
The secret to conscious living
Have you ever heard of conscious living? I assume since you are here, you are curious about it. Let me tell you about my experiences a little bit.
I got to know about conscious living a few years back when I had been through a hard time. At first, I didn’t believe it at all. But I tried it anyway. Because I had nothing to lose. After a few months of trying to live consciously, I felt something changing inside of me. Something that I cannot describe with words. I could see the benefits of conscious living slowly as time has gone by. It’s been a few years since then, and my mindset has changed completely.
To get to know about conscious living was life-changing for me. My perspective and my attitude towards life have changed massively. I wouldn’t say I did not enjoy my life before, however, I definitely feel more joyful about my life. I appreciate the little things more and I am grateful for what I have more than ever every single day.
So today, I would love to share the magic of conscious living. Hopefully, it will inspire you or help you in some ways even a little. Let me tell you first what conscious living is.
What is conscious living?
Conscious living is not something you can change overnight. It takes time. But when you build a habit of it, you will feel. The key to conscious living is “mindfulness “ and “awareness”. Conscious living means being more aware of the impact you may cause by your daily choices. Make a choice consciously.
Conscious living takes constant attention and mindfulness will help you to make more conscious choices instead of automatic ones. It is very important to be fully aware of your thoughts and actions and what impact it has on the world around you from these actions you chose. But what is conscious choice exactly?
Example of conscious choice
For instance, when you go grocery shopping, which one are you? Make a list of what to buy before you go or just go and see how it goes?
Well… the first one is the conscious choice and the second one is an automatic choice. To be honest I was the one to go and see how it goes before. However, as I got older I realised sometimes making a plan is better. Now I plan what to eat based on my health for a day in the morning. If I feel my skin is dry, I consciously choose something to make my skin hydrated. If I feel low energy, I consciously choose something that gives me more energy. To know what food is good for you, you have to learn yourself and your nutritions. That is one of the reasons that conscious living is not something you can transform overnight. You need time to get to know yourself better first.
By making a plan before you go shopping, you don’t have to waste your time, energy and money as well because you know exactly what to buy.
Now, what about when you go grocery shopping. How do you choose the products you buy? Here are 3 things you should check before you buy anything at grocery shopping.
What you should check when you go grocery shopping
1. Where does the food come from
The local one is better as it is fresher and tastier which is good for yourself and also it helps cutting down food miles so you can reduce the environmental impact of your food.
2. Organic or not
Organic products have a higher nutritional value. You don’t want to have chemicals in your body right? Learn more about Organic Foods: What You Need to Know
3. How was it packaged
Avoid plastic package as much as you can. You can read the reason why you should not buy plastic from here.
It is the same thing when you buy clothes or any products. It is important to know where the products are made, where the products come from, what materials they use, Is it a sustainable ethical brand? If it’s online, how the company sends you is also important. Conscious living isn’t simply feeding yourself good things and avoiding the bad. It is deeper than that. It is about looking deeply into everything that you do or you consume.
How can you be more conscious and mindful?
Again, conscious living is a continuous process. It means you better try it until it becomes a habit. Today I will share 5 steps to be more conscious and mindful!
Meditation
At first, you might feel uncomfortable which I did. I was so sceptical at first. Because I couldn’t sit and do anything when I am anxious or feeling intense. Although I’ve been practising for a few years and now the meditation makes me calmer.
Practising meditation and mindfulness have a lot of benefits such as reducing stress, pain, anxiety, and depression, improving focus, and making us happier, healthier, and even more creative. Also, it helps you to develop a stronger understanding of yourself and your surroundings. Meditation is essential for conscious living. When you meditate, I recommend you use some candles. Because lighting scented candles have many benefits. I have a round-up of scented candles if you are interested.
When I meditate I use an app called “Headspace”. I am sure there are many other apps for meditation, choose one which is right for you! Are you a beginner? No worries! You can check how to meditation.
Yoga
Many people think of Yoga as just physical exercise. Well, it isn’t. Practising yoga has many benefits for both mental and physical health. Yoga can reduce your stress, anxiety and gives you relaxation. Also, it can heal trauma in people’s lives. After yoga practice, I always feel very calm but at the same time, I get more energy from deep inside of me. It helps me to be present at the moment and find a sense of peace. Yoga is a big part of my life now and it helps improve the quality of life.
Meditation and yoga are a great way to practice daily focus, inner calm, clear thinking and conscious living. Therefore I really recommend it
If you are looking for Yoga mat click here.
Journaling
This one is also an important thing to do to get to know yourself better and also it helps you to live more consciously. Plus it is good for your health physically, mentally, and emotionally as well. Journaling is an incredible stress management tool. Writing your anger, sadness, anxieties, frustration and other negative emotions help to release the intensity of these feelings. Also, you will become more clear about situations and people who are toxic to you. Obviously, you can write positive things as well.
I write my favourite quotes which give me inspirations and motivations when I read them. A journal is also a good place to write your goals, dreams and ambitions as well. By keeping them in a journal, you can monitor your progress and continue to motivate yourself by documenting new developments and achievements. It doesn’t matter what time of the day you journal. How, when, what or where you write your entries is up to each individual. But I would suggest writing every day even a little bit.
Eating and Drinking
As a foodie, eating is a very big part of my life. Many people think that conscious eating is all about becoming vegan. The fact is there is a lot more than that. mindful conscious eating is knowing what you put into your body and knowing how the food or to drink you put into your body will affect you. What’s good or bad is different for everyone. So takes time to learn about your body and identify what your body needs. always do not forget to appreciate the food that is in front of you.
Spend time wisely
We spend so much time on the phone or computer these days. It’s easily spending hours and hours. I know I was there once too. Choose how to spend your time consciously and wisely and be fully present in the moment. You should make time for love, whether it is a friend or a partner or family, be there for them. Paying attention to our loved one’s needs and listening deeply to them and show them your appreciation instead of browsing your phone. Do things you enjoy, eat your favourite food, go to your favourite cafe and read a book, finishing things that move you closer to where you want to be, developing a skill or even just spending time caring for yourself.
Recommend conscious living books
If you like reading books, I recommend reading these books. Especially “The Power of Now”. This book changed my life! Honestly one of the best book I have ever read. I take this book with me wherever I go and read again and again and again. You will know how important to be present when you read this book.
• Living in a mindful universe
• The art of living consciously
Final thoughts on Conscious Living
By keep doing them, you sense the impact you have on the world around you in more and more subtle ways. Try to be present as much as possible and pay attention with kindness and compassion to the daily choices you make in what you do, say, and hear. I hope that this post has inspired you and given some ideas about what is conscious living is about and how to start to be more conscious and mindful.
Related Conscious Living Articles:
• 7 Reasons to Choose Sustainable and Ethical Fashion
• What is the Benefits of Lighting Non-Toxic Scented Candles?
• 10 Best Natural and Clean Scented Candles You Will Love
• 15 Steps to Live Greene and Sustainable Lifestyle
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