Useful Ideas for Real Life

When everything feels too much

Sometimes philosophy isn’t what you need. Sometimes you just need to get through the next ten minutes. I’ve had periods when my thoughts seemed to run faster than I could cope with. These are some simple things I learned to try when that happened. They will not solve every problem or replace professional help when it is needed, but they may create a little space to breathe and decide what to do next.

Mark Elliot pausing reflectively in woodland

Practical ways to begin

Sometimes you don’t need to work out the meaning of life. You need to get through the next ten minutes. Pick one of these ideas and see whether it helps you find a little breathing room.

Breathe

If your thoughts are spiralling, begin by noticing your breathing. One pattern I use is to breathe in gently through the nose for four counts, pause for four, and breathe out through the mouth for six. Repeat a few times if it feels comfortable. There is no need to force a deep breath or hold it if that feels unpleasant; simply breathe at a pace that suits you. I imagine my worries as a bolting horse and this as a gentle way of taking the reins for a moment. The horse may not stop at once, but I have given myself something steady to do.

In4Hold4Out6

Say Thank You

When life feels difficult, thankfulness can sound like the last thing you want to hear about. I understand that. I still try to spend a couple of minutes naming what is good, however small: a person, a meal, a safe place, another morning. I do not ask myself to be grateful for pain. The practice helps me remember that the pain is not the whole picture. Some mornings that is enough.

Be in Nature

If you can, go outside. Feel the ground under your feet, or the water, sand or grass if you are lucky enough to be near them. Listen to birds, a river, waves, or simply the air moving. I have often found that a short walk gives my mind a rest. The problem may still be there when I return, but I sometimes see it from a different angle. Be gentle with yourself.

Seek Inspiration

If getting outside is not possible, look for words that bring you back to yourself. Poetry has done that for me. The Life Poems page includes pieces that have mattered to me and some of my own writing. Read a poem aloud if you like, or write down a few lines of your own. You do not need to show them to anybody. Sometimes finding the words is the useful part.

Tune into Meditation

A short guided meditation can give your attention somewhere to rest. Try the recording on the Mindfulness page or explore the Meditation page for ways to begin. If sleep is elusive, listening quietly at night may be comforting. You need not force yourself to relax or judge the exercise by whether you fall asleep. Simply give yourself a little time.

Repeat a Mantra

Repeating a short phrase can be helpful when my thoughts are racing. Say it silently, aloud, or even sing it if that feels natural. Choose words that mean something to you and let the repetition anchor your attention. If a phrase does not help, try another or stop. There is no magic formula, and no need to get it right.

Repeat a Mantra

Choose the words you need.

Hardship

I am that I am; coping, strong, and optimistic.

Feeling overwhelmed with worry

My mind does not control me; I control my mind.

On unhelpful rumination.

When I quieten my mind, the answers will come.

Confidence

I am that I am; confident, capable, and commanding.

Feeling weak

My body and mind are resilient, and I am eternal.

Understanding the self

I am not my mind. I merely observe my mind.

Manifesting

I manifest my good thoughts.

My thoughts become my reality.

Control over thoughts

My thoughts proceed from me, but they do not own me. I control them.

Nature

My breathing is the rhythm of nature.

I am not separate from nature. I am a part of nature.

My body is a forest, my breath is an ancient tree.

I am part of everything and everyone.

Health

I look after my body, because I respect myself.

I meditate, because I respect that my mind needs rest.

Diet

I eat good food: both for my health, and the health of the Earth.

Please seek human help when you need it.

These pages offer self-help and reflection, not emergency or medical care. If you may harm yourself or someone else, or feel unable to stay safe, contact your local emergency service or a crisis helpline now.