Letting go of the past… How to live in the here and now and why it is so healthy

Far too often, we lose ourselves in the past or future tasks instead of focusing on the present—the here and now. Living in the moment is so much healthier for our mental health, and therefore also for our bodies. Why do we so often let the present pass us by and instead live in the past?

Everyone is shaped by their past: We fondly remember particularly beautiful moments and lose ourselves in them. At the same time, we all carry more or less deep wounds within us that may still need to heal. Furthermore, we focus on goals, plans, dreams, or tasks that need to be completed, and all too often we deny ourselves the right to pause. We set too high standards for ourselves and think we're only allowed to pause and enjoy ourselves once all tasks have been satisfactorily completed. As a result, we completely forget to appreciate the moment.

It's very healthy to be present in a moment, just as it is—to be mindful in that one moment. Perceiving the here and now reduces stress, lifts our mood, and strengthens our health. In a present state, we are more effective, creative, and productive. Furthermore, we can only build a foundation for a happy future if we learn to let go of the past.

Below we have some tips for you on how you can train your ability to live in the here and now and make it a part of your everyday life.

1) Embrace your past and learn to appreciate your journey

Appreciate the present and plan for the future, but also let it happen and embrace possible twists and turns… This only works if you are at peace with your past.

Your past shapes you, but you control your present and future. Embrace your past, learn from mistakes, and let your wounds heal. Be grateful for all your experiences—they make you the person you are.

2) Have (self-)confidence

Whatever has happened to you in the past, you can draw strength and confidence from within—rediscover self-belief. You can choose to believe in yourself every day. Have faith in the process and practice self-love. Be proud of the path you've taken so far. Even if you haven't accomplished everything you wanted to, even if some things didn't go as planned—you're doing your best!

3) Listen to your body and support it

Listen to yourself and what your body is telling you. What does it need right now? Support your body during stressful times with a balanced diet, enough sleep, and, if necessary, with nutritional supplements that are relevant to you and your body. Every body is different and has individual needs. Find out what's good for your body and mind. 

4) When are you completely at peace with yourself?

Find out when you are completely at peace with yourself. When you feel comfortable in your body, and what activities or non-activities you enjoy. Be it sports, yoga, meditation, cooking, spending time with friends or family, or taking a walk in nature. Treat yourself to these moments when you are completely at peace with yourself and try to incorporate them into your daily routine. Consider which rituals in your day-to-day life make you happy and celebrate them!

5) Practice gratitude

Positive emotions support your physical and mental health. Perhaps you could take a few minutes every now and then to reflect on what you're grateful for. Focus on the positive, let the feeling flow through you, and enjoy the moment.

6) Fewer activities at the same time

Try doing fewer things at once more often. When you're eating, eat – without surfing the internet or watching Netflix. When you're working, work. When you're off work, stop checking emails... This exercise is certainly becoming increasingly difficult for all of us, as our lifestyles have us hyper-focused on multitasking. However, simply engaging in one activity for a while can have a tremendous impact.

7) Stop comparing!

Every life journey is unique – every person is unique. Everyone defines happiness differently, and everyone grows at a different pace. Social media, in particular, is causing us to consciously or unconsciously compare ourselves to others more and more. However, things can look completely different behind the scenes than they do on the outside. Be proud of yourself and grateful for everything that helps you grow.

»Don't compare your life to others. There's no comparison between the sun and the moon, they shine when it's their time.«