How to get more headspace
Mindfulness can help us de-stress, focus, and even up the levels serotonin in our brain. Give this 7-step routine a go from Andy Puddicombe, founder of the Headspace app, and find your own little bit of calm.
1 Get settled:
Find a quiet space where you can relax.
2 Breathe deeply:
Defocus your eyes, gazing softly into the middle distance.
3 Check-in:
Take a few moments to settle into your body. Gently observing your posture and notice the sensations of your body on the chair. Acknowledge your senses.
4 Scan your body:
Turn your mind inwards and scan your body from head to toe observing any tension or discomfort.
5 Observe the breath:
Bring your attention to your breathing, don’t make any effort to change it, just observe the rising and falling sensation that it creates in your body.
6 Allow your mind to be free:
Spend 20-30 seconds just sitting. You might find yourself inundated with thoughts and plans, or feel calm and focusing, whatever happens is completely fine.
7 Prepare to finish:
Become aware once more of the physical feelings, of the chair beneath you, where your feet make contact with the floor, your arms and your hands resting in your lap. Notice anything you can hear, smell, taste or feel. When you are ready, slowly open your eyes.
Related Posts
Self
Is mindfulness making our stress worse?
Mindfulness is seen as a panacea for our modern mental wellbeing issues. But Professor Ronald Purser argues it’s misused
HealthPromoted by Unbeelievable Health
9 ways to improve stress, anxiety and sleep
Expert advice to help you be at your best more of the time
Self
How to avoid burnout
Half a million people in the UK suffer from work-related stress, so here’s how to go from total wipeout to firing on all cylinders
Self
How to embrace winter
Cold days and dark nights don’t have to mean low mood, coughs and festive stress. Switch up your attitude and welcome in some seasonal sparkle
