It’s natural for our mind to sometimes drift to a negative place which can cause worry, doubt or feeling that things aren’t working out. This is normal and all part of being a human being but it’s also super helpful to find ways to be able to switch this mindset so we don’t dwell in this space for too long.

Here is a little exercise that can help along with a short meditation. You can spend as long as you need on this exercise until your mind is focusing on happier and more positive thoughts.

Mindfulness Exercise

Journal prompts

1. Make a list of the times in your life that have made you feel alive and joyful

2. Write down all the things you love to do.

3. Write down when you feel at your happiest

4. Write down what you are most passionate about

5. Write down when you feel the best about yourself

6. Write down your personal strengths

These prompts help us to focus on positive thoughts and happy times.

Mindfulness Meditation:

1. Play some gentle background music of your choice, this could be sounds of crashing waves, birds and nature, musical instruments such as gentle piano of flute sounds.

2. Get yourself comfortable either lying down or sitting

3. Listen to the music and focus on the sounds of the music

4. Try to keep your mind focused on the music

5. Recall your happy answers from the journal exercise

6. Focus on how they make you feel and why they make you feel that way

7. If your mind starts to wonder bring your attention back to the music

8. Take 3 deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth

9. On exhale release any previous negative thoughts

10. Bring your thoughts back to the music and smile whilst remembering what makes you feel joyful.