MINDFULNESS is something everyone can do, and it can be done anywhere.

As human beings, we spend a lot of time worrying about the past. We find we do things on auto pilot. Acting without thinking about what it is we are doing.

Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to, and seeing clearly whatever is happening in our lives at that moment in time. It can improve our mental wellbeing by helping us engage with the world around us more and understand ourselves better.

It is a practical way to notice thoughts, physical sensations, sights, sounds, smells  - anything we might not normally notice.

READ MORE: 'Your self-esteem is your shield against the world, and your lifesaver'

Mindfulness can help us respond to life’s pressures in a calmer manner that can really have positive benefits on our heart, head and body.

Mindfulness encourages us to become more aware of our thoughts and feelings so that we can manage them in a different way with more positive outcomes.

Mindfulness and meditation is linked to stress reduction and can be helpful with the following conditions: anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue, chronic pain, physical symptoms without a medical diagnosis, sleep difficulties and anger management.

Everyone can practice mindfulness and it can be done anywhere - cleaning the car, walking the dog or in the office.

The skills are simple, but because it is so different from how we might normally behave, it takes a lot of practice. With practice, you can learn to work your thoughts and feelings differently.

SEE MORE: Hospitals charity reveals its new look for the future

Simple mindfulness task

The five-step exercise can be very helpful to support anxiety or panic by helping to ground you in the present. Before you begin pay attention to your breathing. Slow, deep, long breaths can help you feel calm.

  1. Notice five things you can see around you. It could be a window, a pen or a picture on the wall.
  2. Notice four things you can touch. It could be the fabric of your clothes, your hair, or the rug on the floor.
  3. Notice three things you can hear. It could be rain on the window, music playing, birds singing in the background.
  4. Notice two things you can smell. It could be food, the smell of soap on your hands or a smell from outside.
  5. Notice one thing you can taste. What does your mouth taste of? Coffee, chewing gum or maybe your lunch?