Living Well with Bri

Living in the moment is crucial for overall well-being because it allows us to fully engage with our present experiences rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Essentially, it means being fully attentive and aware of what is happening right now without being consumed by regrets or anxieties. By embracing the present moment, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for life's simple pleasures, foster stronger connections with others, and reduce stress and anxiety. Taking steps toward living in the moment is very important to fully engaging and enjoying the experiences in our lives. I look back on many times in my life when I would second-guess my decisions or have anxiety about future events like deciding on a major or college to go to. Now I think back to those times and wish I was living in the moment, experiencing every second, and reassuring myself that everything works out in the end.

To live in the moment more effectively:

• Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises

• Engage in activities promoting flow states, such as hobbies or leisure time in nature

• Cultivate gratitude for the present moment by acknowledging and savoring the positive aspects of life as they unfold

• Consciously choose to focus on the present moment and let go of distractions to experience greater fulfillment and joy in daily life

• Be where your feet are

• Focus on what you can control not on what you can’t

Actionable step of the day-

The 4-7-8 breathing technique. This involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. Doing this breathing pattern 3-4 times can help reduce anxiety or help people get to sleep.