Many people suffer from mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing negative events. While seeking support is one of the most important things you can do, there is also a range of small activities that you can incorporate into your daily routine, to help you when you are feeling overwhelmed. 

Mindfulness is great because it can be done anywhere, without the need for any equipment. It is the simple act of bringing and maintaining awareness in the present moment with compassion, by using thoughts, sensations or the environment as a hook. 

I have spent the best part of a year trying to put myself first and mindfulness has been a big part of the journey. It’s something I practice and need to continue with, it has led me down a healthier path in my mindset and it helps with my healing journey. 

Many studies have shown just how impactful mindfulness can be on your mental health and can reduce depression and anxiety if it is practiced regularly. This is because the process of focusing on the present moment will reduce the worries and ruminations that come with thinking about past experiences or the future.

It is a great technique to have handy, to help you respond to moments of stress, anxiety and overwhelm. To help you get started, here are some top tips in this collaborative post to help you incorporate more mindfulness into your life. 

#1 Find a hook

The key to a mindfulness practice is bringing your awareness into the present moment. This can be extremely difficult if you are swept up in your emotions, and are feeling overwhelmed with your depression or anxiety. It can therefore be helpful to find a hook that you can use, to help you bring your attention to the present moment. The most common hooks that are used are deep breathing or your senses. Deep breathing enables you to focus on the sounds and feelings that you experience when you are slowing down your breath. To utilise your senses for mindfulness, you should look around the room and notice what you can see, hear, smell, taste and touch. 

These simple hooks enable you to bring mindfulness into your day, regardless of where you are.

#2 Set a reminder 

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be limited to just practising in moments of deep anxiety. It can also be used sporadically throughout the day. This enables you to take a more proactive approach to your well-being, and be more present in your everyday life. This can help you to reduce the amount of anxiety you experience every day, and help you create a new habit. You can set a reminder on your phone to prompt you every day. You can then increase the number of times you do this until it becomes automatic.

#3 Create a mindfulness playlist

A calming playlist is a great way to reduce stress, and help you to practice more mindfulness in your day. You should find some songs that you find relaxing, and use a youtube to mp3 converter to download them onto your phone. This will mean you have access to your playlist at any point you feel you need it. When you have some time, or if you are feeling anxious, put your headphones in and listen to the music. Focus on the lyrics, the instruments, and how it makes you feel. 

I have made a playlist especially in the mindset of survivors, its an emotive motivational playlist to get you through those times you feel like giving up or need to remember how far you’ve come. You can listen to it on Spotify here. 

#4 Try natural remedies & supplements

Mindfulness can be enhanced by incorporating natural remedies and supplements into your routine. Some popular options include omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, Rhodiola Rosea, Delta 8 Gummies, and lavender oil. Natural remedies can help improve cognitive function, reduce anxiety and stress levels, and promote a sense of calmness and well-being. The sense of calmness they promote is vital during the mindfulness meditation process as it allows you to focus on the present moment without being distracted by intrusive thoughts.

Mindfulness is a great practice to incorporate into your day to help you reduce anxiety and depression.

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