While meditation is a popular tool for mindfulness, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. And maybe, some of us don’t actually have the quiet space to do it! I see you, mummies with kids attached to your left leg, or my WFH buddies who share the house with someone else always being there! I know I’ve struggled with that.
But fear not, I’ve put together a list of fab activities that can help you embrace mindfulness without the need for solitude or silence that meditation requires.
Watercolour wonders
Dive into the world of watercolours and let your imagination run wild. The gentle strokes and blending of colours can be a soothing experience, a kind of meditation in itself. It doesn’t really matter about the result, whether it’s any good or not, water colouring gives me a liberating and expressive way to connect with my inner self.
Colouring in
For creativity without actually needing to be very artistic, I grab a favourite colouring book and unleash the magic of colours. The rhythmic motion of colouring can be therapeutic, allowing your mind to focus on the present moment. Choose vibrant shades that resonate with your mood and let the colours flow.
Nature walks
I do go on about this quite a bit. Step outside and breathe in the fresh air. Nature walks offer a perfect blend of mindfulness and physical activity. My meditation in nature is to pay attention to the rustling leaves, the chirping birds, and the warmth of the sunlight. Connecting with nature can bring a sense of calmness and rejuvenation to your spirit. As you well know, I like to take this up a notch and take my camera. Focusing on getting THAT shot, is all the mindfulness I need!
Reading retreat
Escape into the pages of a good book. Reading allows you to immerse yourself in different worlds, temporarily escaping the challenges of the day-to-day. Whether fiction or non-fiction, find a genre that makes you happy and captivates your mind. Read that super cheesy chick-flit, I won’t tell!
Serenade your soul
Singing has a unique way of uplifting the spirit. You don’t need a perfect voice; just let the music flow. Create a playlist of your favourite tunes, sing in the shower, or join a virtual karaoke session. The act of singing releases endorphins, making it a joyful form of mindfulness. I love to crank up the tunes while I’m cooking, I do sing and dance badly…
Dance like nobody’s watching
Turn up the music and dance away your worries. Whether it’s a slow waltz or a spontaneous kitchen disco, moving your body to the rhythm is a fantastic way to stay present and release any pent-up stress. Years ago, I enrolled in street dance classes. I was terrible but had so much fun and kept fit at the same time. Nowadays, it might just be that wiggle while I’m cooking (and ahem, nobody is watching).
Lego therapy
I discovered this by accident, helping my son and it’s a great alternative to meditation. Channel your inner child with the therapeutic world of Lego. Building and creating with these colourful blocks can be a meditative process. Engage your imagination, focus on the tactile sensation of the bricks, and let your mind wander as you construct your little masterpiece. There are lots of adult Lego sets out there now, so you don’t even need to pretend to be helping with your kids’ models.
Get crafty
Get hands-on with crafting projects. Whether it’s knitting, crochet, or DIY crafts, the act of creating something with your hands can be a powerful mindfulness practice. The repetitive motions can bring a sense of accomplishment and tranquillity.
The takeaway
Mindfulness is a personal journey, and finding what works for you is key, especially when living with chronic illness. The activities mentioned—colouring, watercolours, nature walks, reading, singing, dancing, Lego, and crafting—are diverse yet equally effective in fostering mindfulness. No meditation needed!