Taking Notice: I like this one! So simple yet it can hard to actually get round to doing this. For once though isolation is working with us and given us the chance to get better at this. And it is an important life skill. Most of us currently have more time and our over stimulated minds are having a break from bonkers diary schedules and huge lists of ‘to-dos’. So now is the time to build a new habit because none of us want to reach the end of our lives and realise we forgot to be present whilst it happened!

So today is the big day. Big because you’re going to properly use your senses and take moments to live them.

Watch your children/dog/the birds outside play without thinking ‘is today bin day? Must put those out’. No, don’t get out your phone. Your life is in front of you. There’s nothing you need from your phone. In fact, try and get into the habit of leaving it in one place in the house and only getting it when you need it to do a specific task. Now you’re free. So back to watching. Notice the actions and reflect on why and what is going on. Breathe. And again. Push out any random thoughts that have nothing to do with what you see and just enjoy being there. Feel the warmth of the sun, if you can stand in a sunny spot and allow yourself to feel comfortable with yourself.

Listen to the traffic/dog walkers/the neighbours’ conversation and enjoy the fact that you are resting and taking a that moment. Breathe

Feel the fabric soft against your skin and allow yourself to feel grateful for its comfort. Breathe

Eat slower. Yes, you can eat all the biscuits. It’s probably not your best idea but I’ve already eaten mine so I’m not judging. But take the time to enjoy each biscuit/crispness of apple/softness of banana – the wealth of flavour, the texture and give it a good chew. And a bonus: if you can enjoy one it probably less necessary to eat the whole packet ;o) Breathe

Breathe in, how many different smells there are. Nope, don’t worry about those that shouldn’t be there and the cleaning you should be doing, just be there with them. That’s what life currently smells like. That’s ok too. ‘Should’ is an evil stick we beat ourselves away. Lock him out. You are you. That’s just great.

Keep breathing, go on, just a bit deeper; if you can then breathe in for the count of 8 and out for the count of 6 but whatever suits you really. This is yours. These are your moments. A chance to reflect, enjoy, feel good about yourself, remind yourself about all the good things you are, all the possibilities you hold. Don’t add pressure. She’s an unwelcome guest to this party. This is about you. The incredible creation you are and the incredible world around you. Breathe

Yes, you’re being Mindful. This is all it is. Nothing weird and difficult. Just the need for all of us to find ourselves amidst our crazy lives. It’s a skill that allows us to step back and understand others, to keep calm, to be better at negotiating deals whether with a landlord, a business acquaintance or our families. Take the time to practice. It’s important to your mental health that you give yourself permission to reflect, to be aware of the immediate things around you with no invasive thoughts and to take pleasure in the moments. Now is the most important time you have. And now is the time to learn to live the now.