How to Be Present: 7 Tips for Living in The Moment

In theory multitasking is awesome, but in practice it usually means you’re too distracted to focus on any one thing long enough to actually ace it. And not only is multitasking stopping you from living in the present, it’s also highly inefficient. Researchers at Stanford University determined that people who multitask “do not pay attention, control their memory or switch from one job to another as well as those who prefer to complete one task at a time.”

OK, this sounds super new agey, but stay with us. The next time you’re eating a meal, don’t just taste it, but also try to notice how it looks and feels and smells as it goes into your belly. This allows you to be fully engaged in what you’re doing right this second and is actually a pretty lovely way to approach food, period. (Just don’t get all What About Bob on your corn, OK?)

At least five minutes. If your day affords ten, even better. Practicing mindfulness is an amazing way to stay present. With nothing to focus on but your own breathing, you’re completely in the moment and not worried about that weird comment your boss made yesterday or the 25 things you have to do for your friend’s birthday party tomorrow. Trust us, it’s hugely relaxing.

You know, ones that don’t involve Snapchat or LinkedIn. At work, look up from your computer and make eye contact with your colleague as you talk something through. At home, make a habit of going around the table and asking each family member about their day. At the grocery store, ask the cashier where she got her beautiful glasses and really listen to her reply. It’s easy and enjoyable and hardly takes any time at all.

Yes, the modern world pretty much necessitates checking your phone after hours. But it doesn’t have to be all-consuming. Set a specific block of time when you check your phone each night after work. And consider the rest of your evening to be tech-free. By limiting your nightly digital usage, you’ll become much more efficient in completing tasks--and will come to appreciate in-the-moment activities (like cooking dinner or reading your kids bedtime stories) a heckuva lot more.

You can't expect anyone to be present if they're dehydrated. That is precisely why it's important to slow down for a glass of water throughout the day. Plus, making that trip to the kitchen will give you a little break from whatever you were doing.

It's impossible to be present if the clutter in your space is constantly hanging over your head. A clear mind starts with a clean room, so take a few minutes to straighten up. It'll help—we promise.