Mindfulness is a psychological process by which one becomes aware of themselves. It is a process that makes us comprehend our internal experiences and connects us with ourselves.

Mindfulness is also seen as one of the ways to spiritual enlightenment in many cultures like Buddhism where it is often practiced through meditation.

Even science has accepted the advantages of mindfulness and many scientific studies list it as a significant method to deal with the ailments of the human body.

The benefits that come from mindfulness range from reduction of stress levels, anxiety, and depression to boosting the immune system.

The best thing about mindfulness is that there is no right or wrong way of doing it. A mundane activity like washing dirty dishes could become something that helps you reach the state of mindfulness.

Here are 7 mindful habits you can practice daily that will give you benefits that last a lifetime:

1. Say Thank you.

It might sound very simple but there are many benefits of expressing gratitude. The sole act of saying thanks releases you from the chains of your ego, and that exact freedom is what mindfulness tries to aim for. By showing your thankfulness you can help others feel good about themselves and their efforts. In return it also makes you feel positive and happy.

2. Massage your feet and palms.

Since our feet and palms contain many acupressure and acupuncture points, it is advisable to massage them to get rid of aches and pains. It relives the body of its tension and is also good for our mental health. This helps you connect with your body and silence the mind chatter, all while helping the energy of your body flow more smoothly.

3. Observe your surroundings.

Being able to discern our surroundings helps us to get out of ourselves. It makes us feel connected with the environment, the people and life in general. Take 5 minutes of your day to simply observe your surroundings. Just observe. Do not judge, do not try to solve anything, do not observe with a purpose. Observe for the sake of it.

4. Take deep breaths.

Breathing deeply can lead to reduction in stress, blood pressure and anxiety levels. It ensures healthy blood circulation throughout the body which relaxes our muscles. This in turn helps in transmitting a feeling of well-being. It also helps in detoxifying the body of harmful toxins with proper oxygen being supplied to every single cell. This sole practice will give you a feeling of aware freshness.

5. Listen carefully.

You should listen to people not just to respond but to learn from their experiences. Wisdom is gained from such an exercise which also fosters interconnectedness and a feeling of harmony between people. Listening to others moves you away from the narration of your own mind, you are elevated from your own thoughts.

6. Take a relaxing bath.

You don’t need to go to the spa to get that sense of self nurture. You can fill your tub and take a hot bath while listening to relaxing music in your own home. You can even make this a daily habit. Imagine how more relaxed your life will be if you know that there is always a special time for yourself waiting for you at home

7. Eat food that nurtures your body.

Food and water are the bare necessities of life. Take care of what you eat and how much you eat since a sound mind in a sound body relieves us from unnecessary stress and imparts a sense of well-being – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Yeah, food is really that big of a factor. Eating food that is not hard for your organism to process and has the appropriate nutrients does not just save you energy, but gives you mental clarity, sustains your emotional balance, and gives you more energy on top of that.