Is mindfulness right for everyone?

Mindfulness helps many people, but turning attention inwards isn't always the right thing. How to practise safely.

Mindfulness is often presented as something everyone should do. For many people it's helpful. But it's worth knowing that it isn't right for everyone at every moment.

When to be careful

Focusing inwards, on your body, breath or thoughts, can sometimes bring up difficult memories, panic or a feeling of being disconnected. This is more likely if you've experienced trauma, or if you're going through a very hard time right now.

Practising safely

• You can always stop. Open your eyes, move, look around the room.
• Start outwards. Practices that focus on the world around you, like grounding or mindful walking, are gentler on hard days.
• Keep your eyes open if closing them doesn't feel right.
• Keep it short. One to three minutes is plenty.
• Save longer inward practices, like a body scan, for calmer times.

SteadySelf follows these rules: outward practices are offered first after a hard check-in, every practice has a "stop" option, and help is always one tap away.

If mindfulness keeps bringing up difficult feelings, talk to a professional before continuing. If you need help now, use the Need help now? button at the top of the page.

Written by the SteadySelf team. Updated 17 October 2026. This article is for general wellbeing and isn't medical advice. If you're struggling, talk to your GP, or refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies. If you need help now, use the Need help now? button.