What it means to be present
There are lots of definitions of what it means to be present. On a very basic level, this can mean simply focusing on the task at hand and not being distracted. Not letting your mind wander and not wishing you were anywhere other than where you are at that moment.
It’s interesting how our body can be present, but our mind can be somewhere totally different. Have you ever planned a day out, only to be there in person, but your mind focused on work? Drifting off to think about what’s waiting for you in the office on Monday, wondering what’s for dinner and what will happen next in that situation? It’s exhausting!
Why it is important to be present?
It is said that being present results in being a happier and healthier human being. As it leads to better moods, more energy, and less emotional distress. It can even be said to lessen emotional exhaustion in the workplace. I can see why…
Imagine feeling frustrated that your child is misbehaving, whilst also worrying about all the other external events that happened yesterday and what might happen tomorrow. The frustration of focusing on all the other things that are not happening now will result in even more frustration with the situation. If we remain present, it’s not that the external events won’t be there. But we can focus on what’s going on in front of us and manage our child’s behaviour more effectively.
Why focusing on that one thing matters
Multitasking and focusing on everything all at once can seem efficient at that moment. However, we cannot multitask effectively. So, what may feel like being productive, can often result in making mistakes, getting less done, and taking longer to do things. Or simply resulting in having to do everything again. We can however take on several tasks one after the other, or do automatic tasks. I.e., things where we operate at a subconscious level and do without thinking, at the same time as non-automatic tasks.
Being present helps us deal with many things more effectively. Think of a task you need to do at work or at home. What would happen if you focused your whole self on the job and the desired outcome? Rather than all the external variables and all the things that might possibly go wrong. How much more effective would you be at getting the task done? How much more energy would you have to do the task?
Being present can increase productivity
I particularly love this one, as being present is not something I thought I was very good at (see the judgement I made there!) for much of my life. I was always doing so much work, with my three computer screens and various projects in front of me. Appearing to be super productive, but never felt like I was achieving much and felt absolutely exhausted all the time.
When I took a step back and started to practice being present, focusing on one task at a time until I completed it, I felt like I was achieving something and moving forwards quicker. I adapted this technique as I got the hang of it and started to use time blocking with more extensive projects that naturally took longer. This was where I would block out my diary to work on a big chunk of one project, remaining fully present, and then move to the next project afterwards. It totally transformed the way I worked and in turn my results and energy!
Practical ways to practice being present
As well as time blocking and focusing on one thing at a time, there are many other ways we can practice being present and in the moment. Like with all new habits, it can take some time to build up this new practice. However, once you get the hang of it, it can become automatic and just part of what you do naturally.
Ideas to put into practice:
- Disconnect from social media and your phone and focus on being in the moment. Whether at home, at work, whilst in conversation with someone, or at the dinner table. Focus on every aspect of what’s happening now in that very moment, rather than being distracted.
- Take a deep breath and experience what it feels like. The feeling on your nostrils as you inhale and your lips as you exhale. How often do we just spend time noticing these things, rather than taking them for granted?
- Sometimes we will notice that we might feel bored. Let yourself be bored and notice this feeling, instead of letting your mind wander off to somewhere more ‘exciting’. Be in the moment and notice what your likes and dislikes are.
- Making a conscious effort to simply be present at the start of doing an activity or task can help us notice when our mind starts to wander; helping us bring it back to the present moment.
Imagine what being present and noticing everything about that moment can do for a child’s ability to learn information quicker and more effectively in the classroom. A lot of these ideas you might find helpful both as an adult and a child!
Mindfulness and being present
There are various fantastic online meditations that can help us to remain present and, in the moment. As opposed to drifting off into what the future might hold and becoming anxious about this. However, it’s even easier than this to begin!
You don’t need to listen to a meditation. You can simply pay attention to everything that’s happening around and inside you now. What sounds can you hear? What can you see? What can you taste? What are your thoughts and feelings like?
It really is that easy. Why not try it out?
Wishing you a wonderful day,
Sarah x
A bit about the author…
Sarah Makinde is a Business Psychologist, Mindfulness Teacher and Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist. She has over 20 years of experience in the corporate environment and after going through her own journey with stress, anxiety and overwhelm, is passionate about helping her clients with similar issues.
