Mindfulness involves being in the present moment, with intention and without judgement. Over time, mindfulness practices train our brain to anchor our attention to the here and now. Mindfulness is linked with reduced stress, anxiety, and greater focus and attention.

Practising mindfulness is helpful because we’re often taken out of the present moment by concerns in the past or worries about what may happen in the future. With practice, mindfulness can help us better disengage from unhelpful thoughts and emotions by helping us focus on the current moment.

Here are some ways to practise mindfulness in your day:

• Meditation involves practising focused attention. The goal is to become better at noticing when the mind wanders to bring it back to the present moment.
• Observe your breathing. Anchor your attention to your breathing to help calm and manage unwanted or ruminating thoughts.
• Grounding techniques: Using one of your five senses (sight, sound, touch, smell and taste), pay attention to what’s in your surroundings. You can try the 5-step grounding technique:

• What are 5 things you can see?
• What are 4 things you can feel?
• What are 3 things you can hear?
• What are 2 things you can smell?
• What is 1 thing you can taste?
• Do activities mindfully - e.g. outdoor walk, washing the dishes, having a shower, eating.
  
  
  
  
  ‍