Take time to pause in your busy life. Take a deep breath, be in the ‘here and now’. It can be too easy to rush through life without stopping to notice much.
Paying more attention to the present moment, being aware of your thoughts, feelings and surroundings can make a difference to how you feel. This is called mindfulness. Becoming more mindful can improve your mental wellbeing and help you cope with stress, anxiety and depression.
Being outside and noticing nature, capturing an image with a camera or written words or learning how to focus using relaxation, mindfulness or yoga are all different ways of becoming more aware and noticing what’s around us.
Signposts for 'Be Mindful' - local support and opportunities
A Scottish Borders based charity that teaches secular mindfulness to the community. Delivers mindfulness courses and mindfulness based activities in 1-2-1 or group settings. Offers a number of free courses throughout the year.
Health in Mind offers groups and workshops that aim to support people aged 16+ to learn more about wellbeing and offer opportunities for self-reflection. Groupwork programme often includes mindfulness. Search for ‘Scottish Borders’ on their website.
Quarriers - Resilience for Wellbeing
Prevention and early intervention for young people aged up to 18.
Tel: 01896 668 411 or email: borders@quarriers.org.uk
Useful websites and apps
Positive mental training audio programmes (For password, email health.improvement@borders.scot.nhs.uk)
App that makes meditation  simple. Guided meditations  suitable for all levels. Can help to improve focus, mindful awareness, relieve anxiety and reduce stress. Free trials available. Subscription fees apply after free trial.
British Dietetic Association resource about having a more mindful connection with food.
Be mindful of mental wellbeing
NHS Inform has tips, tools, and advice for mental wellbeing. Find out what others have found helpful on the ‘Mind to Mind’ pages.
Three breathing exercises to relieve stress
Try these breathing techniques from the British Heart Foundation
