Unpleasant tasks – part of a full life

Like me, you probably have one or two things coming up today and tomorrow that you’d rather not have to deal with.

Maybe they’re boring or maybe they just create a bit of anxiety. If you’re a person who puts off doing these tasks (sometimes I am that person, sometimes not) you risk falling into rumination which means going over and over negative thoughts.

This can lead to exaggerated fears, maybe even depression – so it’s very important step out of rumination when you can. Mindfulness helps us to step out of rumination when we spot that it’s going on. Indeed I find that to be one of the main benefits of mindfulness.

Not just cake but broccoli too

It can also help if you see these unpleasantness tasks as a necessary part of a full day or of a full life. Think of food: Cake is great but if you only eat cake you’re not having a full and nourishing diet: to have that you’ve got to eat up your broccoli as well.

The less pleasant things in life are part of a full experiences of living. This attitude is a helpful aspect of mindful acceptance.

Venice – and airports – for Christmas

A few years ago, we went to Venice in Italy for Christmas. To me, Venice at that time of year is magical. But I don’t like the booking the flights and getting to the airport and flying there – I don’t like it at all. The thing is, if I want to go to Venice for Christmas, I’m going to have to do that part too.

So reframing these tasks as a necessary part of the overall picture can help you at a step out of of rumination and preoccupation with these things and to get on with your day. In that way, I believe, you improve your chances of having a better day and a better life.

Stepping out of rumination is a key aspect of mindfulness and you can learn more through my 15-lesson Easy Mindfulness online course.