By focusing on the breath you become aware of the mind’s tendency to jump from one thing to another. The simple discipline of concentration brings us back to the present moment

The purpose of this exercise is to simply notice, accept and be aware of your breath, it’s bringing you back into the moment. As well as this, the mindfulness of breathing is a good antidote to restlessness and anxiety, and a good way to relax: concentration on the breath has a positive effect on your entire physical and mental state.

Sit quietly in a chair with both feet on the ground and your hands in your lap. Close your eyes, if it feels comfortable. If not, soften your gaze. Allow yourself to feel centred in the chair. Bring your attention to the present moment by noticing how you’re feeling physically. Scan your body from head to toe and consciously try to let any tension slip away. Take a moment to notice your environment – any sounds you might hear in the background, what the temperature feels like in the room.Bring all of your attention to the physical act of breathing. Start to notice the breath as it enters your body through your nose and travels to your lungs. After the out-breath you count one, then you breathe in and out and count two, and so on up to ten, and then you start again at one.

Don’t try to do anything with your breathing – simply notice it, pay attention to it and be aware of it.  Each time your mind wanders away from the breath (and this will happen many times!), notice where it goes and then gently bring your attention back to the feeling of the breath going in and out.

Start of by just doing a few minutes , set a timer for 5 minutes (Eventually work your way up to 10, 15 then 30 minutes). When the meditation has ended, take a few moments to yourself, just to really feel connected with the present moment. Expand your awareness from the breath into the room around you, and as you feel comfortable to do so, open your eyes and bring the exercise to a close.

Take a few moments to think about what your experience was in this exercise, and how you feel in the present moment. Journal and take notes on how you feel, and compare your notes at the end of the week, and you can not only feel it, but you will be able to reflect and see the difference.