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The power of small habits – Mindfulness, meditation and breathwork at City Osteopathy.

In today’s fast-paced world, carving out time for self-care can feel like a luxury. But
when it comes to mindfulness, even a few minutes a day can have a powerful lasting
impact on your overall wellbeing.

You don’t need to sit cross-legged on a mountain or clear your mind completely to
experience the benefits. These practices are all about creating small moments of
calm and awareness in your daily life – whether that’s taking a few slow, deep
breaths to yourself before a meeting, enjoying a mindful walk, or sitting in stillness for
five minutes before bed.

Mindfulness put simply is the practice of being present. It’s noticing what you’re
doing, how you’re feeling and what’s around you – without judgement. You can bring
mindfulness into anything: drinking your morning coffee, brushing your teeth or
listening to a loved one. Over time, this builds a greater sense of clarity, patience
and emotional balance.

Meditation doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Starting with just 3-5 minutes a
day can help reduce stress, improve focus and support mental resilience. Guided
meditations are a great entry point, and there are plenty of free apps and resources
to help you get started. The goal isn’t to stop thinking, but to notice your thoughts
and gently return to your breath for a point of focus.

Breathwork is another powerful yet accessible tool. Taking slow, conscious breaths
can quickly calm the nervous system, lower stress hormones and help you to feel
more grounded.

Try this simple box breathing exercise:
Inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four. Just a few
rounds of this can help reset your body and mind.

The best part? These practices are flexible and free – you can do them anytime,
anywhere. And the benefits build over time, many people will notice positive changes
after just a few days of consistent practice.

Incorporating a little mindfulness, meditation or breathwork into you day doesn’t have
to be a big commitment. But the rewards – better focus, calmer reactions and greater
sense of wellbeing – can be truly life changing.

Dr Riley Deacon

City Osteopathy