5 Easy Ways to Be More Present Now

It’s so easy to be distracted. There’s such an unnecessary focus and false sense of pride about being “so busy” or “slammed” that it’s become a badge of honor that I’ve realized I don’t want. While I’ve told people that I’m a master multi tasker, does that mean I’m just not focusing on one thing at a time?

I’ve realized my addiction to my phone (Vent Sesh coming soon) is real and with that, I’m not as present with family and friends as I’d like to be. I love being around people who make you feel like there’s no one else in the room, and I admit that isn’t always me; my eyes wander, I want to check my phone and I start to get antsy. I want my kiddies to feel my presence, to feel connected, and the same goes for the peeps in my life.

Let’s focus on enjoying the people in front of us, to be present and create memorable moments. Here are five ways to make it happen:

1. Relocate your phone. I now charge my cell phone in the bathroom, a MEGA help on so many levels. There’s no reason I need my phone in my bed, which distracts me from time and conversations with husband and even simply being present for Olivia Pope (love Scandal) and enjoying my Yasso fro yo cookie dough bar. My phone is such a time suck. I try to remember the people in front of me are more important that watching the lives other people are living.
2. Turn off email notifications. Are you someone who gets a million phone notifications throughout the day? Not only is that challenging for productivity, it’s distracting when you’re with someone.
3. Listen & look. Are you talking to someone but not really listening — like really listening — or even looking at them? I’ve been guilty of this, even with my children when I’m running around like a crazy person, and trying my best to remedy. Use body language to convey you’re in it; turn to face someone, look in their eyes, be present and really absorb the conversation.
4. It’s not about what’s next, it’s about what’s now. I’m someone with a mega to-do list for my family, my business, my blog and my life. It’s nearly impossible to not think ahead. I recently got a massage and the entire time I had to keep reminding myself to enjoy the moment, not think about the next tasks. It’s a challenge but that mindfulness will let you enjoy each task, including those Target runs, that much more.
5. Find activities. It’s easy to go to the new it restaurant and then see a movie, but are you really engaging with someone (this includes your guy, kiddies or girlfriends)? Are you taking a million photos while there? Find activities: go bowling (so much fun for a girls night out!), do a wine tasting, kareoke, mini golf, hit up the beach or pool — whether it’s with your little ones, for date night or a GNO, find activities to create memories and also build deeper bonds with those around you.