Take Notice

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Throughout our lives many of us will experience times where we find ourselves lost in our own thoughts. We may find that we are so busy making plans, going from task-to-task, going from one place to the next and pushing forward in many different directions that we don’t take time to reflect and take notice of the world around us.  At other times in our lives, we may find that we aren’t very busy in the same way – but are occupying our minds with ‘doing nothing’. We can find ourselves not taking the time to pay attention to the present moment – the here and now. By taking notice and being in the present, we can improve our mental health and sense of wellbeing.

What does it mean to ‘take notice’?

Taking Notice means actively bringing our mind’s attention and interest to the world around us and ourselves. Taking notice means being present in the moment; observing what’s beautiful or unusual in the world. It means being aware of our thoughts and feelings as they arise, without getting lost in them. It means savouring the moment whether you’re being active, connecting with a friend, learning a new skill, or giving to others.

Ideas for taking notice

Being present and taking notice of the world around us can be something that we do during our everyday lives. The key to taking notice is to be aware of what you’re doing, and trying to engage with it. Unlike, for example being active, taking notice is much more of a mental activity. Here are some tips to help you think about what it means to take notice – tips that you can begin to try

  • Walk around your neighbourhood. (You are not merely trying to get from A to B - You are walking ‘on purpose’.)

  • Try to see things with ‘new eyes’.

  • Look for beauty in the unexpected

  • Look out for colours, textures, shapes, reflections in water, shadows. Look up, look down, look around.

  • Get creative and take pictures with a camera! - Focus on capturing what’s before you.

  • Use the images to make a collage, screensaver, or postcards.

Taking Notice through Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a way of focusing on being fully present in the moment.  Through mindfulness we pay attention to what is happening now – to our breathing, to the sounds we hear, to the feel of the ground beneath our feet, to what we see and much more.  It is a form of meditation and it can help us through difficult and unusual times. This can help us take the wheel and drive for ourselves.

Mindfulness breathing practice

Sit in a comfortable position with your back upright and feet firmly on the floor. Close your eyes and allow your attention to come to your breath. In, out, in, out. Just notice it, no trying to change anything. Your breath becomes your ‘anchor’ to the present, and every time you find your mind drifting – which it definitely will! – just notice that and bring your awareness back to the breath. You could also use a different anchor such as the sensation of your feet connecting with the floor. Allow thoughts and feelings to come and go: not urging them to go away or focusing too hard on them, but just letting them pass.

Give it a try and see how you feel.

More information and courses on mindfulness and wellbeing can be found on the Harrow Hub – e-Learning portal; to access please use the link below -

Harrow Council e-Learning Portal: Log in to the site

Once logged in search wellbeing in the courses section.

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM MIND FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH.

 
 

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