Some days, it feels as though everything is happening at once. A small disagreement can stay on your mind for hours, or an unexpected change can leave you feeling unsettled for the rest of the day. Well, there might be situations you cannot change and questions you cannot answer straight away. What you can do is learn to look after your own peace of mind, even when things are difficult.
When your mind is racing, paying attention to your breathing can be a simple way to bring yourself back to the present. You do not need to sit cross-legged or set aside half an hour to practise mindful breathing. You can try it at your desk, before an important conversation, or when you get home after a tiring day. Take five slow, comfortable breaths. Breathe in gently and let your breath out a little more slowly. Notice the air moving in and out without worrying about whether you are doing it correctly. Your problems may still be there when you finish, but you will have given yourself a moment to step away from the constant stream of thoughts.
You may not always notice when stress begins to build. Sometimes, it shows up as tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, a stiff neck, or hands that remain tense even when you are sitting still. The next time you feel stressed, take a moment to check in with your body. Sit comfortably, let your shoulders drop, loosen your jaw, and relax your hands. Straighten your back if you are slouching, and take a gentle breath. Notice whether you are holding tension anywhere else. There is no need to force yourself to relax completely. You will not always be able to prevent stress or keep every situation from going wrong. But you can learn to give yourself a little more time, patience, and understanding as you work through it.
