Mindfulness is the buzzword of the moment. What better place to be mindful than on your next flight. So, what is mindfulness, how do we achieve it and what techniques should we try?
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What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is focusing on the present, not the past or the future. Just focusing on the here and now and experiencing it with your whole being.
In a travel context, it could mean sitting on a long haul flight zoning out, relaxing and detaching from reality.
You could be just watching the inflight map the entire flight. So what are the benefits of mindfulness?
Benefits of mindfulness
Stress relief
Mindfulness has amazing benefits for our mental health and wellbeing. Just breathing in and out helps to calm our mind and nervous system. Stress leaves the body and improves our physical and emotional states.
Digital detox
Sometimes we all need a digital detox to recharge our batteries. This disconnection makes us feel happier, more positive and relaxed.
Turning off technology means we are more present. We are living in the now and focusing on others around us and not on our devices. Do yourself a favour and prioritise others and your health.
Cost saving
Depending on the airfare you’ve bought, inflight entertainment may be an extra cost to you. The same goes for the latest bestselling paperback you’ve bought from the airport bookstore.
By not indulging in these activities, you are saving money. See. There are benefits in doing nothing!
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Mindfulness techniques
Here are some mindfulness techniques to practice.
Meditation
When you meditate, you’re focusing on one thing. You direct your attention and clear your mind of all thoughts. Meditation calms and resets your mind and helps you process the day that has happened. You exercise your body regularly, so why not exercise your mind?
Daydreaming
Daydreaming is a popular activity for children, but as adults, we can benefit from it too. The act of daydreaming is like meditation, except your mind wanders.
Remember, any form of relaxation is excellent for you.
Why has it become so popular?
Life is hectic and we are dealing with conflicting priorities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We sometimes need a break from our everyday practices like scrolling through social media or watching TV.
This is where mindfulness fit the bill perfectly. We are unwinding and transitioning into vacation mode. After all, part of the reason we look forward to a vacation is it’s our opportunity to recharge and relax. We temporarily leave our day-to-day lives behind to have a new experience or adventure.
So let your next vacation be an opportunity to start something new. Don’t do what you have always done. Challenge yourself to do something different. Why not try mindfulness on your next long haul flight?
Suggested post
Want to know more about how to travel more mindfully? Check out this post.
What’s your personal best?
Have you practiced mindfulness on a flight? What is the longest time you have done this non-stop? Comment below.
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Linda is an Amazon author, writer and travel blogger. Her website The Smart Travelista offers travel resources and tips via her blog, books, videos and more.
