1. Look at where you are right now. You are ok! Although things may not be perfect in your life, you are not in a crisis in this present moment. There may be one later tonight, but in this very moment... You are OK!
2. Realize that you cannot predict the future or control the outcome. No matter how much we think we can prepare ourselves for what the future holds, we really don’t know the future. Most times what we predict will happen is usually very wrong and far worse than the actual reality of what occurs. All we know and have control over is what is happening right here, right now, in this very moment.
3. Follow your passion. When you are doing something that you truly love, you will be so engrossed in doing that thing it will be hard to be focused on anything else, especially something from the past or future, which you can’t change anyway.
4. Create lists of things to do. It may be hard for you to control your thoughts and where you mind goes, so creating lists puts boundaries and adds structure to the thoughts so that you can focus on one thing at a time, forcing you to stay focused on whatever you are working on in the moment.
5. Stop yourself! When you find your thoughts drifting into the past or future, say to yourself “Stop! No! I am focused on what is happening here and now.” You have control over your thoughts, if you just take control.
6. Meditate, breathe, and pray. Staying centered on your spirit and connecting to your faith is calming and may help with keeping your mind centered on the peace you are feeling in that moment.
7. If your difficulties with staying in the present moment has led to significant anxiety which makes everyday a challenge or chore, talk to a professional who can work with you on quieting your mind, addressing your chore concerns, and reducing the anxiety your are experiencing.
