A Day in My Mindful Life: How I Incorporate Mindfulness Into My Routine

As a mindfulness expert and facilitator, I know the power of mindfulness in transforming stress into clarity, creativity, and confidence. It’s not just something I talk about—it’s an integral part of my daily life. I’ve learned that by infusing my routine with mindfulness, I’m able to show up as my best self, grounded, focused, and ready to handle whatever the day brings.  I’ve often been asked what my mindfulness routine looks like so let me share that with you now. For me, mindfulness is not a single technique, action, or thought, it is a way of being and it is integral in helping me create meaningful moments throughout my day, my week, my months, and years.

Morning Meditation: Setting the Tone for the Day

I start most days with a meditation practice. It’s the perfect way to centre myself before the demands of the day begin. In the stillness of the morning, I find a quiet spot, sit comfortably, and close my eyes. I take a few deep breaths to ground myself and focus on being present. I allow myself to settle into the moment, focusing on my breath, and doing my best to let go of any distractions. Sometimes, I use a guided meditation to help me connect with my intention for the day but, as a lover of silence, my meditations are often quiet, reflective and still.

This quiet, peaceful start helps me begin the day with clarity and calm. It’s a moment where I can clear my mind, set my intention, and align myself with the energy I want to carry throughout the day.

While it may seem like a small act, it’s incredibly powerful because it allows me to begin my day with intention, instead of reacting to external distractions.

Early Morning Intention Journal: Setting My Purpose

After my meditation, I take a few minutes to write in my intention journal. This simple practice has become a non-negotiable part of my routine. I jot down three things that would ‘make my day great’. These are things I want to focus on and achieve during the day, not just in terms of tasks, but also how I want to feel. I might write about intentionally seeking joy & laughter, embracing progress and being courageous in the face of change, staying grounded, embracing creativity, or setting the intention to really listen and connect with others in a more meaningful way. This journal practice helps me stay clear about my purpose, and it serves as a reminder throughout the day of the mindset I want to maintain.

I then create a daily affirmation something like, “Let peace be my guide”, or “I will change the things I can and let go of the things I can’t”.

Importantly, during this time, I don’t check my iphone. I intentionally avoid the temptation of diving into messages, social media, or emails before I’ve grounded myself for the day. I’ve found that not accessing my phone until after my journaling helps me maintain a sense of peace and control. While it may seem like a small act, it’s incredibly powerful because it allows me to begin my day with intention, instead of reacting to external distractions.

Being Mindful Throughout My Day: Staying Present

Once my day begins, I keep mindfulness at the forefront of my actions. Whether I’m meeting with clients, working on a project, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, I try to remain fully present. When I notice my mind being pulled off task or when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take a brief pause—just a few seconds to breathe and bring myself back to the present moment.

By staying mindful, I’m able to reduce stress and improve my focus, making better decisions and fostering more meaningful connections with those around me. This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about practicing awareness and bringing myself back to the moment when my attention slips away.

This simple practice helps me reset, bringing clarity and balance, no matter how busy or chaotic my surroundings may be.

Breathwork: A Simple Tool for Resetting

Throughout the day, I use breathwork as a simple tool to reset. If I’m feeling stressed, distracted, or just need a mental break, I take a few minutes to practice deep breathing. One of my favorite techniques is the double inhale: I take a deep inhale through the nose, followed by a second, smaller inhale, and then exhale slowly through the mouth. It feels like a gentle massage for my lungs, body, and mind. The deep breaths fill my chest with fresh air, while the second inhale creates a sense of expansion. As I exhale, I feel a wave of release, calming my nervous system and grounding me. This simple practice helps me reset, bringing clarity and balance, no matter how busy or chaotic my surroundings may be.

Taking Time to Pause: A Gentle Reminder

In between tasks and responsibilities, I make a conscious effort to take small pauses throughout the day. Whether it’s a few seconds to breathe deeply, stretching for a moment, or simply closing my eyes to reset, these pauses help me recharge and refocus. Pausing throughout the day also reminds me to slow down and enjoy the process instead of rushing to the next thing. It’s in these moments of stillness that I reconnect with myself and find my centre.

Evening Reflection Journal: Reflecting on the Day

My evening reflection journal is a meaningful way for me to close the day with gratitude and insight. I begin by writing down three "highlights of the day"—moments that I truly enjoyed, things I did well, or experiences I appreciate. This helps me acknowledge the positive aspects of my day, no matter how small, and cultivates a sense of gratitude.

I also reflect on "The lesson I learned today." This section gives me the opportunity to nurture my growth mindset. It’s a reminder that every day is a chance for learning, development, and gaining wisdom, whether it’s through successes or challenges. By acknowledging these lessons, I stay connected to the idea that I’m on a lifelong journey of growth, always evolving and improving. This practice keeps me grounded, focused on progress, and reminds me to approach each day with curiosity and openness.

Mindfulness is a journey, beginning with a single step and unfolding with each moment

The Power of Mindfulness: A Routine that Keeps Me Grounded

Incorporating mindfulness into my daily routine has been life-changing. It’s not about creating a perfect routine—it’s about finding moments throughout the day to be present, intentional, and mindful. Whether it’s through meditation, journaling, breathwork, or simply taking a pause, mindfulness keeps me grounded and focused on what matters most.

By committing to these small practices, I’ve been able to transform my stress into clarity, nurture my creativity, and stay connected to my purpose. It’s a routine that fuels my well-being and allows me to show up as my best self, not only for others but for myself as well.

If you’re looking to create a more mindful routine in your own life, I encourage you to start small. Try incorporating a few of these practices, and see how they can bring more clarity, calm, and focus to your day.

Mindfulness is a journey, beginning with a single step and unfolding with each moment. It’s not about reaching a perfect destination, but about walking the path with resilience, courage, and purpose. Along the way, we face obstacles, but mindfulness helps us navigate them with clarity, finding strength in each challenge and moving forward with intention.