The growing trend of mindfulness in travel and everyday life

In a rapidly changing world where technology, responsibilities and stress dominate everyday life, many people are looking for ways to slow down and find peace. Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present in the moment, has become a powerful tool for managing stress and improving overall well-being. This trend is especially noticeable among travelers, where more and more people are using mindfulness exercises to stay calm, enjoy their trip and reduce the stress of delays or unpredictable circumstances.

As travel increasingly becomes a source of stress due to tight schedules, busy airports and unexpected accidents, many are turning to mindfulness to overcome these challenges. The ability to stay grounded and present can transform the way we experience travel – from a stressful event to an opportunity for completely new experiences. This change in mindset not only makes people enjoy traveling more, but also creates a deeper connection with the present moment, making travel itself an enriching, mindful practice.

One person leading this movement is Cheryl Brause, co-founder of Pause to be presenta mindfulness and meditation studio. Brause shares how her journey to mindfulness began from her personal search for peace and presence in a life that looked perfect on paper, but in reality felt overwhelming.

“I was always rushing, busy, stressed and overwhelmed,” Brause explains. “I had everything I thought I wanted, but I was missing my life because I wasn’t fully present in it. I learned that I could live differently, that I didn’t always have to strive, achieve, or rush.”

That life-changing realization came from her first meditation class, which sparked her passion for mindfulness. “The lesson had such an impact that I decided everyone should know how to do this,” Brause says. “Everyone could benefit from learning how to be more present, joyful, and calm.”

This desire to share mindfulness with others led Brause to create Pause to be presentwhere she offers online and in-person meditation classes, retreats and wellness programs. Although the studio faced a significant challenge when it opened in late 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Cheryl and her team quickly adapted by offering free online livestream meditation sessions to support people during those difficult times.

The benefits of mindfulness extend far beyond the meditation cushion, especially in today’s world where stress and anxiety are increasing dramatically. Brause highlights some disturbing statistics: “The American Psychiatric Association’s annual mental health survey shows that in 2024, 43% of adults say they feel more anxious than the year before, and that the stress surrounding current events – especially the economy, elections and gun violence – is increasing. – drives these levels even higher.”

In response to these growing concerns, people are looking for tools to manage their stress, and mindfulness is proving to be an invaluable solution. Brause explains that mindfulness helps people learn how to regulate their nervous system, control their attention, and find more joy in each day. She notes, “Mindfulness teaches us to be aware of our thoughts without getting lost in them. It helps us understand that we are often doing well in the present moment, and that is where peace begins.”

When applied to travel, mindfulness can be particularly helpful. Travel, often seen as a respite from everyday stress, can paradoxically bring its own challenges: flight delays, long security lines and other stressors that disrupt plans. Cheryl offers five tips to stay present and calm while traveling:

1. Enjoy the experience – Think about how wonderful it is that we can travel and experience new cultures. Appreciate the opportunity to explore.
2. Leave enough time – Avoid rushing by giving yourself enough time for transitions. This helps reduce stress and provides a more relaxing experience.
3. Show compassion for others – Travel can be stressful for everyone, so offer others your compassion and empathy instead of frustration.
4. Find the “And’s” – In any stressful situation, look for something pleasant, whether it’s a moment of silence, a tasty snack or a beautiful view, and focus on that.
5. Embrace the adventure – If things don’t go as planned, change your perspective and view the experience as an adventure. This mindset helps reduce frustration and turn challenges into opportunities.

Brause emphasizes that while these techniques are useful while traveling, they are most effective when practiced regularly. “It’s difficult to use these practices only when necessary in stressful situations,” she notes. “With a daily mindfulness practice, we operate from a lower stress base, making us more resilient when life throws our curveballs.”

For those looking for a deeper experience, Brause also offers retreats Pause to be presentincluding silent retreats that offer participants the chance to truly unplug and reconnect with themselves. These retreats, like the annual silent mountain retreat, provide an opportunity for reflection and renewal, allowing participants to return to their daily lives with fresh perspectives and a deeper sense of peace.

Brause’s goal is to make mindfulness and meditation accessible to everyone. Her work transforms the way people relate to themselves, each other and the world around them – both in everyday life and while exploring the world. As mindfulness becomes more popular, more and more travelers will undoubtedly benefit from staying grounded and embracing the present moment, wherever their journey takes them.