7 mindful moments to help you keep calm

When the world feels overwhelming, it may be time to take a step back. We’ve put together some mindful moment tips to help you stay calm and carry on.

Be Present

Stay present in what you’re doing. If negative thoughts start filling your mind, bring yourself back to the present moment. Close your eyes and focus—what can you hear? What can you smell? Open your eyes and search for new things to see. This simple practice can help slow your mind and bring a sense of calm.

Breathe

Pay attention to your breathing. Focus on nothing else. Try this method: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 2, then exhale for 4 seconds. Repeat as necessary to regain a sense of balance.

Small Changes

Small changes lead to big differences. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the same applies to your mental well-being. Simply deciding to make time for mindful techniques is already a great start.

Take Note

Notice when your mind starts to spiral. Does it happen when you scroll through social media? When you watch the news? Do you feel more anxious in the evenings when things slow down? These triggers could be key to managing your thoughts. Keep a journal and track any patterns—once you identify them, you can start adjusting your routine to work around or minimize them.

Take 5

In a world that’s always moving, sometimes you just need 5 minutes alone. Whenever possible, step away to a quiet place and practice the mindfulness and breathing techniques mentioned above.

Move

Move as much as you can or want to. Go for a walk, stretch, or engage in any form of movement. Even just a little exercise can go a long way—try it and see the difference!

Be Kind to Yourself

We often set extremely high expectations for ourselves. While ambition is great, it’s important to let go of perfection and the things you can’t control. The happiest people don’t have the best of everything—they make the best of everything.