How much of our life is spent on 'autopilot'?

It turns out the average adult spends more than 10 years of their life on “autopilot,” following the same routines and rituals every day, according to a survey. A quarter of the 2,000 British adults polled admit that they often drift through as much as five or more hours a day without any real thought about what they are doing. This equates to 1,396 hours each year, 27 hours a week or nearly four hours a day doing the same things. Mindfulness can help us to break out of this autopilot state and start living with more intention.

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with an open, curious mind. When we are mindful, we are not lost in our thoughts or caught up in our emotions. Instead, we are present and aware of our surroundings and our own inner experience. Mindfulness can help us to appreciate the little things in life that we might otherwise take for granted. It can also help us to break out of negative thought patterns and connect with our true selves. If you’re interested in mindfulness, there are many resources available online or through your local library. You can also find mindfulness apps and meditation courses at your local community center or yoga studio. Mindfulness is a simple practice that anyone can learn, but it takes time and patience to master.

Start by setting aside just 5 minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. You may find it helpful to set a timer so you don’t have to keep track of time. Mindsight has also developed a guided breathing product to help you develop a routine, called the Breathing Buddha.  When practicing breathing, simply notice the sensations of your breath moving in and out of your body. If your mind starts to wander, simply bring your attention back to your breath. Mindfulness takes practice, but it is well worth the effort!