How to look after your mental health using mindfulness

Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment, using methods such as meditation, breathing and yoga. It helps us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings so that, instead of being overwhelmed by them, we’re better able to manage them.

This guide from the Mental Health Foundation will help you to understand what mindfulness is and how it might help you to look after your mental health.

Mindfulness can be used as a tool to manage your wellbeing and mental health. Some people call mental health ‘emotional health’ or ‘well-being’. We all have times when we feel down, stressed or frightened. Most of the time those feelings pass, but sometimes they can develop into something more serious. This could happen to any one of us.

It’s important to maintain your mental health, but being mentally healthy doesn’t just mean that you don’t have a mental health condition. With good mental health, you can:

• Make the most of your potential
• Cope with life
• Play a full part in your family, workplace, community and among friends

Research in the area of mindfulness is still growing. Current evidence shows positive effects on the mind, brain, body and behaviour, as well as our relationships with others.

Mindfulness has been shown to help with stress, anxiety and depression. It has also been shown to help with addictive behaviours, and conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease and chronic pain.

Use this guide to find out more about mindfulness and how it might be helpful for you.

Download the ‘How To Look After Your Mental Health Using Mindfulness’ guide