To really reap the benefits of mindfulness, try using it as part of your daily routine. You can incorporate it into daily activities. For example, you can be mindful while you brush your teeth or wash your face – see below. Or you may want to schedule ten minutes specifically to concentrate on one of the other exercises below. Whatever works for you and gives you the best chance of consistently practicing mindfulness is the best route to take.

1. While brushing teeth or washing face: Since you’ve done these things thousands of times you don’t need to think about them, but you can be mindful by closing your eyes and concentrating on them. For instance, when brushing your teeth feel the brush glide along your teeth. Taste the toothpaste. Feel the grip you have on your toothbrush. Don’t judge it as too tight or soft. Just notice the sensations. You may try taking a few deep breaths while you brush your teeth. Feel the air go deeply into your lungs and through your nose – it might be challenging to have it come through your mouth while keeping the toothpaste in!

2. Next time you barge in the door at home and head to the kitchen to grab a snack, try settling in for a few minutes to really enjoy it. Whatever it is, sit down, stare at it and choose to take a while eating it. You are going to focus on every gesture, bite, swallow and feeling as you thoroughly enjoy your snack. Up for the challenge?

3. When you are ready to go to bed, why not use mindfulness to help you fall asleep? Mind racing at night? This is a good way to calm it down. Simply focus on your breathing – your chest rising and falling. You may hear the sounds of it filtering through your nostrils and out again. Wait, does it sound different? Does it feel different? Just notice. Just be. And before you know it, you’ll be waking up to that annoying alarm again!

Don’t faint. It’s that simple!