Mindfulness is a type of meditation that you can use anywhere, anytime. It’s about being aware of the present moment and focusing on it. It doesn’t need anything but 10 minutes of your time. It can help you to see when negative thoughts are taking over, and to manage them.  Try mindfulness using anything: a cup of coffee; a photo or picture; the natural world; a local walk. The key to mindfulness is not what you choose to focus on but the quality of the awareness that you bring to each moment.

Being mindful

1. Think about your senses: what can you see, feel, taste, smell, hear?
2. Notice your breathing
3. Focus on what you’re doing, such as: the look and smell of coffee, the texture of the cup, the taste, how it makes you feel ; your muscles moving when you walk, feet touchingthe ground, what’s underfoot
4. If your thoughts drift, bring them gently back, don’t judge them