Anastasia Ttofis had her future mapped out at the age of eight.

She wanted to be a lawyer.

Someone who helped people – but also “drove a car where the doors go up.”

Through sheer grit and determination her childhood ambition came true.

She became the first generation in her family to go to university.

After qualifying Anastasia specialised in litigation, specifically in banking and finance.

It seemed like she had it all.

A fascinating, albeit high pressure, career and a good salary.

Then the panic attacks began.

Anastasia said: “You push yourself because everything has to be done now.

“But I’d be driving home and suddenly I’d get a panic attack.

“It would be triggered if something happened which was not too plan.

“All may have seemed fine on the surface but it wasn’t.

“Things were not good.

“I knew that if I didn’t do anything about it then it would affect my wellbeing, my personal relationships and, eventually, my work.”

The solution – discovered after undergoing a hypnotherapy session – was mindful living.

Anastasia said: “It sounds very ‘woo woo’ but essentially it’s living in the now.

“It’s making the choice to focus on our present and live in our experiences.

“It sounds like something that should be easy, but it takes effort and practice.”

In Anastasia’s case she practises mindful living primarily through yoga and meditation.

She said: “After being introduced to both I saw first-hand the benefits it had on my ability to navigate a high-pressure career with more clarity and focus.

“Studies have shown that those people who regularly practice all three elements of yoga – poses, breathing and meditation – are better able to regulate their heart-rate variability.

“This generally means that their heart rate is lower, giving the body the ability to respond to stress in a more flexible way.

“Researchers have also found that meditation helps to counter habituation – the tendency to stop paying attention to new information in our environment.

“Mindfulness meditation can reduce mind-wandering and improve our ability to solve problems.

“It is for these reasons, and many others, that I practise mindfulness and actively promote its benefits for high flying professionals and business owners.”

Now 29, Anastasia is juggling more roles than ever.

She’s the Bournemouth-based Head of Banking and Finance Litigation with London law firm Jamieson Alexander Legal and also a Director of specialist finance broker, Niche Financial Solutions LLP.

Anastasia is also the Founder and Owner of BusyBuddha retreats.

“They’re restorative retreats for professionals with a blend of bespoke yoga, meditation, mindfulness practices and wellness experiences for thoser who want, and need, the time and space to push pause on their daily routine,” she said.

All her activities and roles are wrapped up under the name Legally Mindful.

Anastasia, who is  completing a meditation diploma as well as yoga teacher training later this year, describes herself as ‘The Mindful Living Lawyer.’

Anastasia with her partner Andy Khan, owner and director of ASK Tree Surgeons.

She said: “Mindfulness has changed my life.

“I no longer suffer panic attacks or experience fear and, genuinely, believe I can do everything now.

“It’s changed my life and it can change other people’s lives too.”

• legallymindful.co.uk