The Best Mindfulness Hack

What actually is enjoyment? When we’re having an explicitly enjoyable experience, it’s pretty easy to understand the concept. But what about when we’re doing housework, heading into a meeting, or picking up the kids? As women, especially those of us who identify as people-pleasers, overachievers, and perfectionists, we often find ourselves living in the future. It’ll be good when X happens; I’ll be happy when I get Y.

Not only that, but you’re juggling a million tasks at once, trying to meet looming deadlines, keep up with commitments, and look Instagram-worthy at all times. This ridiculous pressure is making you stressed, overwhelmed, and on the brink of burnout. Sound familiar?

But what if our baseline, regardless of where you are and what you’re dealing with right now, is enjoyment? Joy itself?

The dictionary definition of ‘enjoy’ is to “have a good time”, according to Merriam Webster, or to “experience with joy; take pleasure in” according to dictionary.com. And there’s a simple and profound way we can tap into it. A way that can take you from striving to thriving; from massive pressure and overwhelm to joy. It’s a question you can ask yourself right now as you read this article:

How can I enjoy right now a bit more?

If you ask this correctly—and by that I mean take a second to really feel into this question, body and mind—there’ll be a physiological response. For me, my shoulders drop, my jaw softens, and I feel a bit heavier. There’s a tension-release as we stop thinking about the future, about our plans, what we’re doing next, or even what other people think of us.

Asking this question of ourselves often is a simplified and easy-to-maintain mindfulness practice. And science tells us that mindfulness helps reduce muscle tension, lower blood pressure, and boost our immunity. Not only that, but this question offers us a break in the constant stream of thinking. We’re offering our crowded head a moment to get some clarity, insights, and perspective. And this, my friend, is a route to better problem-solving, improved creativity, and less mental tension.

What does this question do for our relationships? All too often drinks with friends can be a series of waiting for them to finish speaking so we can tell our amazing story that makes us look good, worthy, and ‘enough’. If we ask this question, though, we can be present, we can listen, soften, and engage with more empathy, understanding, and without just trying to force ourselves to the next point.

This simple question, then, can provide physical benefits, mental health benefits, relationship benefits, and can probably change our lives. What are you waiting for? How can you enjoy right now a bit more? This is the stuff we build real joyful lives on.

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