Has mindfulness worked for you?

[PFB1]

Definitely getting the January blues 😏 and have previously suffered from quite severe anxiety and mild depression. It's like it's always sort of lurking, if that makes sense.

Wondering if those of you who have tried mindfulness have had much success with it?

I'm thinking of getting the headspace app but was hoping for some feedback before signing up. Thanks all.

I like it but I'm a bit faddy with it and don't do it consistently - I think for it to work you need to really make time to practice it regularly. I use the calm app which is similar I think and it does have some nice relaxation meditations which I use to get to sleep (body scans and breathing exercises) personally I find those easier and more enjoyable to do than the proper mindfulness ones. Give it a try - nothing to lose and there are loads of tracks on the apps so I'm sure you'll find something that works for you. Good luck!

Oh also I think the main apps have limited free versions which you can download so you don't have to sign up and pay for anything to try it out if you're not sure. Once I'd had the free calm app for a while they started emailing me offers which made signing up to the paid version much cheaper.

They just send me to sleep. Unless it's 3 am.

See if there is a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Programme available locally, tried and tested and support of weekly facilitated group. Otherwise maybe look into a mindfulness practice or even yoga locally .. hard to get started and maintain by oneself.
Mindfulness works. Recommend Danny Penman' book also for addressing Depression

Thanks, I'll do the 10 day trial! Just wish there was a way to never have these feelings again. Hopefully this is the magic cure 🙏🏼

I'm also thinking of starting yoga, so it would be great if that helps.

It does work! I've been using headspace for 15min first thing every morning for 1 year now and can't believe the difference it made in my life. It really is like magic for anxiety! You have to build a routine and it'll become an habit you won't live without. I love my morning meditation 🧘‍♀️

That's amazing early!

I really hope it has the same effect for me 🙏🏼

Practicing being in the moment can give you a rest from the mind chatter. The anxiety comes from either dwelling on the past or thinking about the future. (the future can be as short as the next moment btw). If you're in the moment this can't happen. I know, easier said then done. That's why it has to be practised. Best wishes.

Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now is a great guide. The audio book is on YouTube.

Good look with the yoga.Try and get a Yoga practice as opposed to a gym based exercise class, many different approaches so it can help to try a few. Some of the more relaxing "restorative" classes will work on breath and being in the moment. And don't forget the vitamin D. Best wishes

It does work I posted on here really distressed and mumsnet was amazing helping me, things I've found that have worked.

Mindfulness,
Taking a B12 and Magnesium supplement over 300MGS
CBT
And also this website anxietyreliefsolutions.com/how-to-eliminate-intrusive-thoughts/ is brilliant for anxiety and stressful thoughts.

Sorry that meant luck. .....hopefully it will be a good look too!

I don’t think it’s a magic cure in all honesty, I found it more a useful tool in a whole range of things I do to keep my mental health in a good place. I don’t find mindfulness meditation at all helpful but I do find more active mindfulness very good. So cooking while paying attention to chopping the veggies, hearing the noise of the knife on the chopping board, feeling the food in my hands etc. Or try the same in the shower - really pay attention to the feel of the water on your skin, smell the shower gel etc etc.

Other things that can help me include getting fresh air, even just for 5 minutes, resting when I need to, a good cry, writing a journal, mindless tv, basically stuff that lets my brain rest a bit or gets stuff out of my head.

There really is no magic cure but things that chip away at how you feel.

Yes, I listen to free ones on YouTube before bed and they make a massive difference to me. I always get the January Blues and this year my depression and anxiety have been really bad but it really helps. I also recommend a SAD lamp.

Hi OP it worked for me, I did a 10 week program via my GP. I had severe depression and am quite skeptical.
I don't find I have to practice regularly as it helped me recognise my triggers and act accordingly.
I love mindfulness it really saved me. I found it helped me be kind and compassionate to myself which allowed me not to be perfect.
Good luck OP I highly recommend it.