Gratitude is a powerful tool. When my life seems overwhelming, I will just sit for a few moments and turn my mind to experiencing my breath. I don't try to breathe differently, but I try to become aware with all of my senses. When thoughts intrude, regrets over things that have happened or worries about things that have yet to happen, I accept them without judging, and turn my focus back to my breathing and a vague but real feeling of gratitude. Even three mindful minutes like this feels as though I have taken a vacation, and I have given myself some emotional elbow room around my thoughts.
I sometimes feel as though my stuff is all snarled up, impossible to untangle, but a mindful moment often lets me see that I can slice away one simple aspect that I can address successfully. The fact of doing something positive is reinforcing, and the good feeling I get from that can then give me the motivation and ability to move on to the next thing I can address.
Maybe these ideas are something you will find helpful, jade.