Stress at work, whether it is a worry about the actual workload or a boss that is not always in the best of moods, children acting up or a fast lifestyle, all these and many other factors can cause imbalance in mind and body.

Meditation can be a lifestyle change that helps a person to relax.

The hardest part of any meditation is to have the frame of mind to find some ‘me time’.

Let your family know that two or three times a week you are having a ‘be kind to me time’ and ask for no disturbance for 20 minutes. Ignore any sabotage attempts until they get the picture.

Turn off your mobile and, if you live alone, stuff the door chime with a hanky or turn the ringer off so you know you are not going to be disturbed.

If you have some favourite music that is calming or relaxing why not listen to it to help with relaxation? The ideal room is your bedroom.

Place a hard-backed chair in the room. If extra comfort is needed, place a cushion on the seat. You need to be sitting so your spine is tucked up to the back of the chair. Do not attempt to meditate sat on a bed – if you do, you will nod off.

When you are comfortable, close your eyes and relax your whole body.

Feel your breathing. By this, I mean breathe in and out until you know you are relaxed.

The ideal style of breathing is to allow your chest and stomach to expand quietly, inhaling and exhaling, all done in a slow and rhythmic manner.

At first you will find your mind will work overtime. Let everyday stuff enter your mind, and then let it go.

Just relax, simply be still. If you do this, you will eventually feel as though you have been daydreaming. On opening your eyes, you may at first wonder if you were asleep. Notably, you will feel relaxed.

Top tip:

Do not rush to stand up. Move slowly, and get yourself a glass of water.

One slight warning – do not eat a large meal before meditating!