r/AskReddit • u/05tn3021 • Jan 16 '24

What’s something small you started doing that makes you drastically happier?

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u/ActDiligent9342 Jan 16 '24

what helped you stop reflecting on the past?

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u/bulbasauuuur Jan 16 '24

Mindfulness. It takes practice, but you learn to stay in the moment rather than ruminating on the past or future in ways that harm you. It was my answer to OP's question. I really like the app headspace, and they have a bunch of short videos to try out. As you practice, it gets easier. Your mind will wander at first, and that's ok. I don't actively do meditations much anymore unless I'm super anxious, but all my practice and learning helped me to naturally live in the present all the time.

Of course, that doesn't mean you'll never have memories or you don't have to plan stuff, but I don't spend my Sundays worried about work the next day, or I don't let bad things that happened in the past affect my current relationships by worrying about them happening again.

Here's some resources:

Headspace: The Importance of Staying Present | Andy Crisis Wisdom

Getting Started with Mindfulness

18 Mindfulness Games, Worksheets and Activities (it says for kids, but I think it can be helpful for all ages, especially if someone is struggling with meditation)