She Strengthens

The Power of Mindful Eating: How One Habit Can Transform Your Day

As someone who’s always on-the-go, Ko Im knows a thing or two about prioritizing self-care. As a tech editor, lifestyle blogger, and wellness teacher, she’s learned to cherish her lunch break as a sacred time to disconnect and recharge.

Breaking Free from Busy

Ko’s journey began when she realized that constantly eating at her desk was taking a toll on her mental and physical health. She wanted to break free from the “always busy” mentality and create a healthier routine. By making a conscious decision to eat away from her desk, Ko aimed to reset her day and establish a positive habit.

From Intent to Action

Ko didn’t start small; she went all in from her first week on the job. She committed to taking a daily lunch break, free from distractions, and pivoted whenever possible. It wasn’t about depriving herself of work time, but about nourishing her body and mind.

Overcoming Obstacles

Worrying about missing important emails or messages was Ko’s biggest hurdle. However, she soon realized that taking a break from her screen actually made her more efficient in the long run. By prioritizing self-care, Ko became more focused and productive.

Mindful Eating Made Easy

To make mindful eating a habit, Ko relied on a few tricks. She utilized a physical separate space, like a cafeteria, to eat and sometimes stepped out to buy lunch. She also scheduled automatic reminders on her Google Calendar to ensure she took a break. On slow days, Ko would even accept lunch meetings with friends or colleagues near the office.

Maintaining the Habit

While it’s easier to maintain the habit during the week, Ko finds it more challenging on weekends when her schedule is more relaxed. However, she’s more mindful of meal prep and treats dinner as an occasion, rather than just another meal.

Slip-Ups and Setbacks

Of course, there are days when Ko gets caught up in her busy schedule and skips her lunch break. Instead of beating herself up over it, she acknowledges the setback and moves forward. She recognizes that it’s not about being perfect, but about being consistent.

Expanding Mindful Eating

Ko’s mindful eating habit has inspired her to make other meal times more intentional. She avoids scrolling through her phone during breakfast and tries to put it away when eating with others. By being more present, Ko has discovered a sense of calm and clarity that extends beyond mealtime.

A Daily Meditation

For Ko, mindful eating is a daily meditation that teaches her to be present in the moment. She believes that this habit can be applied to all areas of life, helping us cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present and letting go of distractions. As she so eloquently puts it, “It’s all we have, and they all pass, just like plates of food.” Bon appétit!