Finding My Zen | Mindfulness & Self-Care in the City

London is exciting, vibrant, and full of life; but it’s also loud, chaotic, and exhausting if you’re not careful. Between work, social plans, and the sheer madness of the Tube at rush hour, I used to find myself constantly running on empty. Then I realised: if I wanted to keep up with this city, I needed to prioritise self-care and find small moments of calm.

Here’s how I manage to stay grounded in one of the busiest places in the world.

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1. Walks with Clarkie – The Best Therapy

Nothing forces you to slow down quite like a dog. No matter how stressful my day has been, Clarkie still expects his morning and evening walks; so I’ve learned to turn them into my mindful moments.

Instead of rushing through them, I take time to notice the little things; the rustling leaves, the fresh air, the way Clarkie joyfully sniffs every single lamppost. Walking through Hyde Park or along the Thames at sunrise instantly resets my headspace.

Tip: Even if you don’t have a dog, early morning or late evening walks are a game-changer for mental clarity.

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2. Yoga & Stretching – Because London is Stressful

I used to think yoga wasn’t for me; until I realised it wasn’t about being flexible, but about giving my mind a break. Now, even on my busiest days, I do at least 10 minutes of stretching or deep breathing before bed.

When I have time, I go to MoreYoga (their off-peak membership is surprisingly affordable) or do a free YouTube session at home. Slowing down, even for a few minutes, makes a huge difference in how I feel the next day.

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3. Journaling – Emptying My Brain Onto a Page

Whenever my thoughts feel too loud, I write them down. Nothing fancy, just a notebook and a pen; sometimes a quick gratitude list, other times a brain dump of everything on my mind.

Something about putting worries on paper makes them feel more manageable. It’s also a great way to reflect on what’s actually important instead of spiralling over things that won’t matter in a week.

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Final Thoughts

London moves fast, but I’ve learned that I don’t have to. Finding small ways to pause, breathe, and reset has made all the difference in handling stress and actually enjoying this city.

Whether it’s a quiet walk with Clarkie, a few deep breaths before bed, or just five minutes of stillness in a busy day; mindfulness isn’t about having time, it’s about making time.