In a news-obsessed, 24-hour information cycle society, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of suffering there is in the world at any given time. Between the people closest to us, those who challenge us, and those we know only from a distance ... It can be a lot to hold. This meditation introduces a few sentences to help you focus your care and attention where it needs to be, while also letting go of the urge to control every outcome.

Anyone else feeling some overwhelm right about now? I'm finding myself in a new cycle of news addiction and the regular and constant exposure to it is certainly leaving me feeling anxious and overwhelmed. This meditation was originally created in one of my last cycles of overwhelm, and yet, it is serving me yet again. If you're feeling it, too, I hope this meditation can be of support.

Anxiety has the power to lock us in a tunnel vision that, when unmonitored, starts a chain reaction of reactivity. In the moments where we might have a sliver of mindfulness whilst feeling anxious, we can try the countdown in this 5-minute meditation (with ending bell). It can help you get out of your head and into the moment, a sound antidote to the limiting effects of anxiety.

Pro tip: If you’re prone to anxiety, try this meditation in non-anxious moments so it’s easily accessible when you are feeling anxious.