Mindfulness is all about slowing down and paying attention to the present moment. When we’re ‘mindful’ we start to take steps to reconnect with ourselves. If we’re relaxed then we can be more mindful, so they’re both linked.

Being more mindful can help our mental health and wellbeing, as we can enjoy the world around us, as well as understand ourselves and how we’re feeling.

What is mindfulness?

It’s about noticing what’s happening in the present, without judging. You may notice and be aware of your mind, body or environment. The technique has its roots in meditation, but you don't have to be spiritual, or have any particular beliefs, to try it.

Mindfulness aims to help you

  • become more self-conscious

  • feel more reassured with less stress

  • feel more able to choose how to respond to your thoughts and feelings

  • cope with thoughts that are difficult or not useful

  • to be kinder towards yourself

Many people find that mindfulness helps them to manage their day to day wellbeing, but it doesn’t always work for everyone.

How does mindfulness work?

It works by taking your focus to the present and away from other thoughts.

The way we think, and what we think about it, can affect the way we feel and behave. For example, if you think or care a lot about past or future difficult events, you may often feel sad or anxious.

It’s understandable that you want to stop thinking about difficult things, but trying to get rid of difficult thoughts can often make us think about them even more.

Thinking with a clear focus can be hard and takes practise but you’ll start to:

  • notice how thoughts come and go in your mind and you might learn that they don't have to define who you are, or your experience of the world, and that you can let them go

  • notice what your body tells you such as any tension or anxiety you may be feeling in your body, such as a quick heartbeat, tight muscles or shallow breathing

  • create a place between you and your thoughts where you can reflect on the situation and respond more cautiously

Is mindfulness right for me?

While anyone can try it, being thoughtful isn't always easy to do.

Practise may be needed and it may not be right for everyone. There’s a lot of information out there about thinking, which can feel overwhelming or confusing. If mindfulness doesn’t work for you, don’t worry as there are lots of other ways you can support your mental health.

Thinking exercises you can try

Eat thoughtfully
Moving, walking or running thoughtfully
Scanning the body
Thoughtful colouring and illustration
Thoughtful meditation

How could relaxation help me?

Exploring relaxation can help you look after yourself when you're feeling stressed or worried. Relaxation might not make what you are stressed or worried about go away. But it can give you a mental break from these feelings and help you refocus.

There are lots of relaxation exercises out there. Many can be done in a short time with no equipment. Have a look at the tips and ideas below to see how relaxation can fit into your daily life.

Don't worry if some ideas don't work for you. Just try the ones that do.

How to Relax

Take a break
Try active relaxation
Focus on your breathing
Get creative
Spend time in nature
Picture yourself somewhere serene
Listen to music
Do a tech check
Relaxation exercises
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