By Lauren Antkowiak Today’s world is filled with so much distraction. Everybody is walking around with their heads down looking at their phones. They obsess and worry about the little things that, in the long run, don’t matter. It’s important to stop every once in a while and smell the roses. ...

By Lauren Antkowiak

Today’s world is filled with so much distraction. Everybody is walking around with their heads down looking at their phones. They obsess and worry about the little things that, in the long run, don’t matter. It’s important to stop every once in a while and smell the roses. Buddha is quoted saying “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” He is talking about being mindful of the moment we find ourselves in. While we are busy with our phones and what is happening online, real life is passing us by. We miss out on what is right in front of us; time that we will never get back. No one can change the past, so why worry about it? The future is unknown and out of our control. It is important to look back and reflect We should have goals for the future, but we cannot forget about the here and now. We should make an effort to be present with those around us because you never know what tomorrow is going to bring.

Mindfulness not only keeps us in the moment but also has many benefits for your mental and emotional health. It can reduce stress and anxiety, helps you create happier relationships, and improves your overall well-being. Being mindful is within your control, even though it may be hard to practice on a daily basis. One tip is to focus on your breathing; when you start to feel overwhelmed or like your mind is starting to wander, stop and take a couple deep breaths. This exercise will help clear your mind and ground yourself. Take the time to block out all the distractions of life and practice mindfulness to make sure you are getting the most out of every moment.