Why "Everyday Mindfulness" Is My Cup of Tea: An Occupational Therapist’s Perspective

There are so many strategies and techniques aimed at promoting well-being and mental health (all of which we teach at Core Clarity). One such approach that has emerged as particularly effective is mindfulness. However, today I wish to highlight a more personalised, practical version: Everyday Mindfulness.

Let's begin by discussing traditional meditation methods. Rooted in ancient wisdom and verified by modern science, these practices offer numerous benefits, ranging from stress reduction to enhanced focus. It's undoubtedly enriching, but it requires dedicated time, and effort, and can be a daunting task for beginners or for those who find their minds filled with persistent inner chatter, ruminations or intrusive thoughts.

And that, my friends, is where Everyday Mindfulness steps in.

You see, Everyday Mindfulness isn't a VIP party you need a special invite to; it's an open-house event that's already happening in your day-to-day life. It's in your morning cup of tea, the dishes you rinse after dinner, or the soothing rhythm of your breath as you read this post. It's all about bringing focused, non-judgmental awareness to the activities you're already engaged in. So, no extra time out of your day. No added stress. Just you, doing you, but with a touch more presence.

Imagine it like this: You're sipping on your morning coffee, instead of gulping it down while you scroll through your emails. You pause. Feel the warmth of the cup against your hand. Smell the aroma. Take a slow, savouring sip. You're not just drinking tea; you're experiencing tea. That's Everyday Mindfulness, in a teacup (literally!)

Everyday Mindfulness seamlessly integrates into your daily life, rendering it a highly practical and accessible mindfulness approach. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that it provides benefits similar to those of traditional mindfulness practices, such as stress management, improved mental health, and enhanced focus. It also fosters a stronger sense of connection with our lives as we begin to engage more fully with our everyday moments.

This is not to suggest that traditional mindfulness practices are obsolete. They absolutely have their place and can be beneficial for many. However, for individuals seeking a more practical, accessible way to introduce mindfulness into their lives, Everyday Mindfulness is an excellent approach.

I’m a strong believer that the most effective practice for you is one that aligns with your lifestyle and one that you can commit to. And when it comes to accessibility and applicability, Everyday Mindfulness gets a big “yes” from me.

So, here's to living in the moment, one cuppa at a time.