If you are feeling depressed you are living in the past. If you are feeling anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment.

Living in the present moment means no longer worrying about what happened in the past and not fearing what will happen in the future. It means enjoying what’s happening now and living for today.

The present moment is where you live. The past and the future are in your mind. You can’t completely ignore them, but you don’t have to live in them. One way of looking at it is that the past is the story and explanation of how you got to where you are today, and the future is the direction you currently are moving towards. They’re defined by your orientation in the present, and they’re subject to change.

Living in the moment is not always easy. Sometimes our thoughts are overwhelmed by regrets about past events or anxiety about the future, which can make it hard to enjoy the present. Learning how to live in the moment can improve your general well-being and enjoyment of life.

Focus on the Now

In order to live in the moment, you need to focus on the now. Focus on what you’re doing. Turn off the TV, switch off the computer, slow down, and savour the present.

Pay Attention to the Small Things

Notice the world around you: the small things. Be thankful for them. Living for the moment and taking notice of the small things will help you cultivate more positive experiences.

Smile

If you want to know how to live in the moment, you just have to take a look in the mirror and ‘Smile’ — it can influence how you feel.

Perform Random Acts of Kindness

Random acts of kindness, those selfless acts that help others, help you live for the moment of making others smile. Random acts of kindness are just that — random. They are spontaneous, in the moment, and a great addition to your daily life.

Practice Gratitude 

While it’s not always easy, being grateful for the positives in life can have a profound impact on your mood, outlook, and overall well-being. Gratitude involves showing appreciation for the things in life that are meaningful or valuable to you. Taking a moment to notice and acknowledge the things you’re grateful for each day can brighten your outlook, boost your mood, and help you feel more positive in the face of challenges.

Don’t Worry

It’s much harder than it sounds, but try to remember that worrying today won’t change what happens tomorrow. Every second you spend worrying about the future is a second of the present wasted. Because worrying takes you out of this moment and transports you into the realm of future possibilities, it’s impossible to live in the moment and worry at the same time.

Life in the moment moves quickly — don’t miss it.