In the next in this series of blog posts, we look at the benefits of taking notice for our mental wellbeing.
What does it mean to take notice? And why have I started with a question? The reason is simple; because I want you to STOP. And exactly as the post requires, TAKE NOTICE before you move on.
Stop and take the time to notice things and make those things you notice matter
Cecelia Ahern
In the simplest of terms, to take notice is to actively bring our mind’s attention to what is going on in the present moment. It’s tuning into our senses, what we can hear, see, smell around us. To recognise how something feels to us, whether by touch or emotionally. To be present; be in the moment. By taking notice and being in the present, we can improve our mental health and sense of wellbeing.
Why is Taking Notice important to our wellbeing?
Paying attention to what’s going on around you can improve your mental well-being and can help you appreciate and enjoy the everyday things around you. By taking notice we become more self-aware, recognising what is going on around us, how it makes us feel and becoming more aware of our needs, values and interests.
It’s about finding enjoyment in the moment and the environment around you. It’s about being curious and remarking on the unusual or beautiful. It can be as simple as taking five minutes out of your day to appreciate something new or noticing the seasons changing.
Being aware of the present moment and your own feelings and thoughts can also help you to positively change how you’re feeling about life. Studies suggest that by being more aware of what is going on in the present, we worry less about the future and think less about the past. This is also known as mindfulness and it can really help you to be calm and more able to deal with what life might throw at you.
How to Take Notice
Mindfulness may seem a bit abstract and strange, but it doesn’t have to be. It can often be simple things that make all the difference. Here are just a few quick and simple ideas to help take notice of the world, and the people, around you. Even without changing much about your usual routine, you can simply be more mindful about your actions, and more aware of how this makes you feel:
- Take a different route on your journey to/from work, school or the shops and notice what’s different
- Take a walk around your neighbourhood, and as you do capture photos of the things that make you smile
- If you’re indoors, look out of the window and notice how many different colours and shapes you can see.
- Keep a diary – use it to reflect on certain events and note how they make you feel
- Try mindful eating, really tuning into each of your senses as you go through your meal. Notice the colours, smell, tastes and textures; savour the taste when eating your food
- Ask someone how they are feeling and really listen to what they say
- Listen to a new piece of music and think about how it makes you feel
- Keep a gratitude journal – simply write down three things that you’re thankful for each day.
Mindfulness takes practice
Taking notice takes practice, however, if you make a regular habit of it, you may find that your wellbeing will improve. Any of these simple suggestions, if you make a daily habit of doing them you will notice a difference. It’s about taking time out to specifically find enjoyment in the moment and the environment around you. It’s about being curious and remarking on the unusual or beautiful. In the busy lives we all live, it’s about slowing down and concentrating on the here and now.
Taking notice in 2020
2020 has been a year where the whole world has been forced to stop and take notice. To pay attention. COVID has impacted us all, and for many our usual routine has been turned on its head. In the early stages of lockdown here in the UK, we were blessed with great weather, and as we slowed down and stayed home, the new season of spring arrived, and as we took our daily exercise outdoors, with the roads quiet it became easier to take notice of birds singing and plants flowering. And we also noticed how the change made us feel. But as we start to try getting back to a form of normal, we still should take notice. And we should still listen to our emotions and how every situation, each moment makes us feel.
How will you take notice today? Share in the comments what helps you to feel grounded, in the moment, thankful for what you have around you.
Click here to read the last blog post in this series: KEEP LEARNING
