Meditation exercises for daily practice

These exercises are written guides, not audio recordings. Read through the instructions before starting, or read them slowly as you go. Each exercise is self-contained and takes between five and twenty minutes.

Meditation exercises

5 minutes

4-7-8 Breathing

A simple breathing exercise that activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Useful when you feel tense or are having difficulty settling. No prior experience needed.

1Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Close your eyes if that feels right.
2Breathe in quietly through your nose for a count of 4.
3Hold your breath for a count of 7.
4Exhale completely through your mouth for a count of 8. Repeat this cycle four times.
10 minutes

Basic Body Scan

A body scan directs attention systematically through the body, noticing sensation without judgment. It is a core mindfulness practice and useful for winding down or reconnecting with physical awareness.

1Lie on your back with arms at your sides. Allow your breathing to slow naturally.
2Begin at the feet. Notice any sensations: warmth, pressure, tingling or nothing at all.
3Move attention slowly upward through legs, torso, arms, neck and head. Spend 20 to 30 seconds in each area.
4When the mind wanders, simply return to where you left off. This is normal and not a failure.
7 minutes

Focused Attention on Breath

The most fundamental meditation practice. Attention is placed on the physical sensations of breathing and gently returned whenever it wanders. Regular practice supports concentration and emotional regulation.

1Sit upright in a chair or on the floor. You do not need to sit in any particular way.
2Place attention on the sensation of breath at the nostrils, chest or belly. Choose one location and stay there.
3When attention moves to a thought, sound or feeling, notice that it has moved and return it to the breath. No commentary needed.
4Continue for seven minutes. A timer is helpful so you are not checking the time.
15-20 minutes

Open Monitoring Practice

A more advanced practice where awareness is open to whatever arises in experience, without selecting any particular object. Sounds, sensations, thoughts and emotions are all allowed to come and go without interference.

1Begin with five minutes of focused attention on the breath to settle the mind.
2Gradually open awareness to include everything in your experience: sounds from the room, sensations in the body, the quality of light.
3Notice what arises and passes without holding on or pushing away. Thoughts are treated the same as sounds.
4If you become overwhelmed, return to the breath for a minute before opening awareness again.

Food for daily wellbeing

Practical information about nutrition and its relationship to energy, mood and cognitive function.

Stable blood sugar and energy

Frequent fluctuations in blood sugar contribute to fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating. Eating meals that combine protein, fat and complex carbohydrates helps maintain more consistent energy levels throughout the day. Avoiding long gaps between meals is one practical step.

Hydration and cognitive function

Even mild dehydration affects attention and short-term memory. Water is the most effective hydration source. Coffee and tea contribute to fluid intake but also have diuretic effects at higher quantities. Plain water throughout the day is a straightforward habit with clear benefits.

Omega-3 fatty acids and mood

Research in nutritional psychiatry points to a relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and mood regulation. Oily fish, walnuts and flaxseed are dietary sources. The relationship is not a simple cause-and-effect but is worth understanding as part of a broader view of diet and mental health.

Variety and dietary patterns

Dietary patterns matter more than individual foods. A varied diet with plenty of vegetables, legumes, whole grains and moderate amounts of protein from different sources provides a wide range of nutrients. No single food is a solution; the overall pattern over time is what counts.

The nutrition information on this page is general educational content. It is not personalized dietary advice. For specific nutritional guidance related to a health condition, consult a registered dietitian or your GP.