Article by Amanda Contreras — @hippienurse
ER Nurse, Plant based, Holistic Health & Yoga

Do you find yourself getting lost in the daily stress and challenges associated with running a business? It’s hard to turn off the "work" brain. While many associate mindfulness with meditation, being mindful extends way beyond that. It’s about staying present throughout the day and embracing, without judgment, everything that comes into your life— the good and bad. In this article, we’ll chat about some ways you can practice mindfulness in your day to day to improve yourself and in turn, your business.

1. Lead with purpose.

It can be easy to lose the connection as to why you started your business venture. Start each day with your purpose and make sure each action you take brings you closer to it. For your entrepreneurial endeavor, it is highly recommended to put together a vision statement and keep it nearby to help you stay on track. Not quite sure what a vision statement is? Here’s a link with everything you need to know about vision statements. Essentially, your "WHY" is what will keep you excited and motivated for you to work through the hard days because, in truth, our purpose extends beyond ourselves. It’s about impacting our community in a positive way, and that my friends, is what it’s truly about. 

2. Practice gratitude daily.

There are so many ways to practice gratitude! Being grateful will not only change your mood during stressful times, but it can change your life! (Dramatic, I know.) It’s easy for us to get sidetracked and keep gratitude at the bottom of the list, but it’s called a practice for a reason. Without a doubt, it will take some effort at first but believe me, it’s 100% worth it. I recommend starting your day with positive affirmations and listing out what you are grateful for. You can do this mentally or on paper but, be warned, it is believed that by transferring your thoughts onto paper they will be way more powerful. Try to write at least three things you are grateful for in a gratitude journal on a daily basis.

3. Practice stillness.

How much time out of your day do you take to be still? You are probably on your phone, computer or consuming some type of content for the majority of the day. While technology is an amazing asset, we need to be mindful of how much time we actually give ourselves to be still and reflect. Start incorporating 10 or 15 minutes a day to disconnect from everything. Stretch, meditate or go for a walk. Giving yourself a break from the go go go mentally can help reset and bring out a more creative, inspired and productive you.

4. Be open to new ideas.

What might have worked for you in the past might not work out for you in the future. We are in an ever-evolving world, especially with all the technology. A big part of practicing mindfulness is being aware enough to know there is always room for improvement and evolution. The openness to learn and adapt to new concepts and ideas is so important. In order to grow and evolve in our personal life and in our business, we need to be willing to shift perspectives and understand the point of view and ideas of others without resistance.

5. Pay it forward.

If you really think about how far you’ve come and what it took to get you here, you’ll notice you didn't do it alone. I’m sure there have been mentors and supporters along the way that have helped you one way or another. My last piece of advice is to pay it forward! Your contribution can help the world become a better place and it doesn’t have to take up too much time or money. Whether you pay it forward in your business or in your personal life, it is the little deeds that really make the big impacts. Remember: we are all connected. By helping others, you are helping the collective.

Article by Amanda Contreras — @hippienurse
ER Nurse, Plant-based, Holistic Health & Yoga