how to be in the moment

Welcome back to Sunday Goods!

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind—so many big moments, so much to celebrate, and so much excitement leading up to it all. When life is moving fast, it’s easy to get caught up in the next thing before the current moment is even over. You tell yourself, I can’t wait for this, and then, before you know it, this has passed, and you’re already looking ahead to the next. It’s a cycle that makes time feel like it’s slipping away before you can truly live in it.

But here’s the thing—when we’re constantly anticipating what’s next, we rob ourselves of the full experience of now. And mentally, that can take a toll. Anxiety thrives on looking forward, constantly planning, predicting, and preparing. It keeps us in a state of what’s coming? instead of what’s happening? And when we live like that for too long, we miss the small, meaningful moments that are right in front of us.

Why being present supports mental health

Our minds are wired to jump ahead. We plan for the future to feel a sense of control, to ease uncertainty, or to keep ourselves from being caught off guard. But when we get stuck in that pattern, we forget how to just be. And being present isn’t just about enjoying the moment—it’s about giving our minds the space to rest, recharge, and actually experience life instead of racing through it.

Here’s how being present helps your mental well-being:

Less anxiety – When you focus on now instead of next, your brain stops running a million miles an hour. Worrying about the future creates stress that doesn’t need to exist yet (and often never will).

More gratitude – When you slow down, you notice more. And when you notice more, you appreciate more. Gratitude is one of the simplest, most effective ways to boost your mood and overall mental health.

Better rest & recovery – A constantly moving mind makes it harder to unwind. Presence helps signal to your brain that it’s okay to relax and enjoy where you are, which improves sleep, stress levels, and overall emotional balance.

Deeper connections – When you’re fully engaged in a moment, you listen more, laugh harder, and feel more connected to the people around you. And strong, fulfilling relationships are key to good mental health.

How to stay present when life moves fast

Pause & breathe – Before stepping into any big moment, take a deep breath. Feel your feet on the ground. Notice how your body feels. A simple pause brings your mind back to now.

Use your senses – Instead of thinking about the next event or the next day, ask yourself: What do I hear right now? What do I see? What do I feel? The more you engage with your surroundings, the easier it is to stay present.

Reframe your thoughts – Instead of saying I can’t wait for this, try I’m so grateful for this moment. Instead of thinking I need to plan for what’s next, remind yourself I’ll get there when I get there. Shifting your mindset helps you experience life rather than just anticipating it.

Let the moment be enough – Some of the best parts of life are the little in-between moments—the deep conversations, the quiet pauses, the way the air feels on your skin. Those moments matter just as much as the big ones.

It’s easy to let time slip through your fingers when life is busy. But when you slow down—even just a little—you start to notice things: the warmth of a hug, the way someone’s laugh fills a room, the feeling of being exactly where you’re supposed to be.

And that’s where life actually is—not in the next thing, but in this one.

So if you’ve been running from one thing to the next, take a second to pause. The moment you’re in right now? It’s worth being present for.

With care,

Elle