A couple of years ago, when I started meditating, the whole time consisted of me getting frustrated as my thoughts kept on going on and on about the fact that I was doing it the "wrong way" and would never be able to meditate "properly". After not even 2 minutes I would get restless, think of all the things that I had to do (or that my busy mind came up with) and say : yeah, mediation is not for me. After some (less inconsistent than I wish) practice I have come to the conclusion that it is not about not having thoughts but about a focus on turning down the volume, about separating yourself from the chatter of your mind and taking a step back. It is simple. Here are some of my favorite personal top tips: 1. Feeling your feet on the ground, really get inside your feet as strange as this may sound. Ground yourself, imagine you have roots going down the ground. You can also focus on separate areas of your body. This is called Yoga Nidra which is great for falling asleep if you suffer from insomnia or get restless. It helps you give your mind something to be busy about whilst you allow your body to relax. You can start by doing that and then move further to the next steps.

2. Following your breath, allows you not only to calm your nervous system but to also focus on a particular movement connected to your body which is very helpful in the "oh here I am thinking again, go back to the breath'. That is why some people also enjoy mantras. 3.Watch your thoughts, as if they were waves coming in and out, as if you were a spectator watching a movie, as if they were coming from a person sitting next to you.

4 .Bring in some love and kindness, this is known as Meta Mediations, which fill you up with kindness and love. Thinking of a loved one, a beautiful moment, or even you future self, whilst placing attention around your heart area is a great way to start the day.

Remember, there is no such things as doing it badly!

YOGA NIDRA

LOVE AND KINDNESS

WATCH THE BREATH