Mindfulness is the state of being fully present and aware of your physical body as well as your thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness is used for many reasons and has many benefits. It allows you to find peace and calmness, to balance your emotions and feelings, and to sharpen your focus and observational skills. It is also a terrific way to reduce stress and anxiety. While practicing mindfulness, remember to be kind to yourself. You are in a space free of judgment and negative reactions. This is your time to unwind and focus on all the good things in your life.

Below are a handful of simple mindfulness activities that you can try. These can be done in just a few minutes, or you can take as much time as you need. They can be done at home or when you are walking between classes. Give them a try and find what works best for you.

Five senses: This activity can be done anywhere and is a great tool to distract from anxiety or other unwanted feelings. You are going to use your five senses to observe what is happening in the space around you. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you taste? What do you feel? Take your time. Focus on the sense before you move on to the next one. Ground yourself in each moment.

Fill Me with Sunshine: You can do this activity anywhere, and in any position. Close your eyes and imagine the warm, bright sunshine shining on you. Then imagine that sunshine slowly filling up your body, starting at your toes, moving all the way up to the top of your head. As it fills you up, take note of the feelings and sensations you are having. Take your time and enjoy the sunshine.

Walking Meditation: Go for a walk. Easy enough, right? While you are walking, pay attention to how your body feels with each step. Focus on the feel of your foot touching the ground, your arms swinging with each stride. Take note of each breath as you inhale and exhale. Try to only focus on the physicality of your body and not the thoughts in your mind. This exercise helps you to become more mindful of your body, which helps to promote relaxation and wellness. A win win.