Exercise for being present and aware of your surroundings during an activity
Before you start your activity, choose one part of your body and be aware of what it is touching. For example, if you are sitting you can choose the feeling of the back of your leg or your lower back pressed against the chair. If you will be moving around, you can choose the feeling of the sole of your foot pressed against the ground or the feel of a piece of jewelry against your finger/wrist/neck.
Spend a minute or two focused on this feeling. With your awareness anchored in your body allow yourself to become fully conscious of your surroundings and the present moment.
Start your activity but remain aware of the physical sensation as you go about your task. If your thoughts wander away from the present to the future or the past, use the physical sensation to bring your mind back to the here and now.