From candlelit yoga classes to drop-in meditation sessions, today the practice of mindfulness is more accessible than ever –the hard part for most is finding the time to fit it into their busy schedule.

But with 1 in 4 people in the UK experiencing mental health problems (and this set to increase due to Covid)  carrying out simple mindfulness techniques could make all the difference to living a healthier and more balanced life.

Between work, family and fitness, we realise that it might not be at the top of everyone’s list, but by building even five minutes a day into your daily routine, it can help you to better understand your emotions, improve your relationships and defend yourself against the stresses of everyday life. To help you on your road to discovering mindfulness, here are some simple methods you can try today, whether you’re in the office, on the road, or taking ten minutes…

Breath 

A great exercise to practice first thing in the morning is focusing on your breath. This allows you to control your mindset and set your intentions for the day.

Start by getting into a comfortable seated position with your feet planted on the ground. Once you’re settled take a few moments to notice how your body feels and eventually close your eyes. Begin to focus on your breath –– on your first breath in count ‘one’, on your next breath out count ‘two’, and so on, all the way up to ten.

Once you’ve finished, start again and repeat the process for any length of time between 5-20 minutes. At the end notice how clear your mind feels.

Clear Your Thoughts

If your mind starts to race the moment you settle down to go to sleep you’re not alone. Switching off after a hectic day is a common problem, but setting aside 5-10 minutes each evening can help to rid your mind of whirring thoughts.

Grab a pen and notepad and scribble down any thoughts that are playing on your mind. From to-do lists and reminders to doodles, a quick brain dump can help to calm the mind and boost creativity.