02/02/2025
Feeling Overwhelmed or Stressed
It is not uncommon to occasionally feel overwhelmed, which can be triggered by various reasons. We can only change what is in our control, so we may be unable to change what has triggered our feeling overwhelmed. We can, however, change how we respond to the trigger. One effective way to reduce feeling overwhelmed is the practice of 'Mindfulness'.
What is Mindfulness
Mindfulness is an approach where we focus on the present moment, not the past or future; both commonly trigger overwhelmed feelings. Being in the present moment provides a calm and safe space, and we learn to accept what is happening in the present moment, which reduces our overwhelmed feelings.
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mindfulness #:~:text=Mindfulness%20is%20a%20mental%20state,stress%20and%20improve%20your%20sleep.
Tools to help us
Mindfulness can be achieved through many different ways. A straightforward way is to find a quiet and comfortable place to focus on your breathing. Breathe slowly and as deeply as possible while also taking notice of your breathing. Taking notice of our breathing helps us to focus on the present moment. Slow and deep breaths trigger a relaxing response and reduce your feelings of Fright and Flight.
You can also use a mindfulness app to help guide you through mindfulness. One helpful and free app is the Smiling Mind App:
https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app
Practising mindfulness is a skill; like any skill, it takes practice, so remember that if you struggle at first, remind yourself that practice makes mastering a skill easier. Regular mindfulness can help you feel more resilient.
Welcome to your versatile and practical mental fitness toolkit. Designed for minds of all ages and stages, the new Smiling Mind App helps you learn the skills that promote mental wellbeing and create the habits to thrive.
