Mindfulness and Overwhelm

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness occurs when our mind processes, observes and gains awareness of the outward experience. In practicing mindfulness, we allow our minds to focus on the five senses and our current emotions, therefore helping us to further settle into reality.

In moments of overwhelm, this is easier said than done.

When anxiety kicks in, our outward focus begins to shake and panic. Our awareness of reality can easily slip through the cracks. However, if you can push through the overwhelm and focus back to our awareness of the outward experience, we can begin to obtain perspective.

Taking deep breaths and thinking through each count in these moments helps us remember that we are still alive and well. Visually evaluating the room we are in allows us to gain spatial and situational awareness. Processing senses, like touch, allow us to ground ourselves and come back to the present.

If you start to feel overwhelmed, answer these questions:

• Am I safe?

• Can I count my breaths?

• What are three things I can see?

• Does anyone in this space look like they are also overwhelmed?

• Who can I trust here?

• What are my feet feeling?

• What am I grateful for? 

• Do I know all the details in this situation?

• What is my next best action?

Next time you reach a state of overwhelm, take a deep breath and work through these questions with me. I hope you can access a state of peace, calm and mindfulness, even when life begins to feel too much.