Coming back to the breath for greater focus with Elise Bialylew

Mindful Tip

Try this Ten By Three Mindful Wake Up Practice when you wake up tomorrow (from my book The Happiness Plan).

This mindful morning practice is a quick and powerful energy shifter, and an easy way to start your day with presence and gratitude.

1. When you first wake up in the morning, take a moment to sense how you are feeling: Rested? Tired? Lazy? Energetic?
2. Bring awareness to your body, and more specifically to the feeling of your breath.
3. Before you do anything else (like check your phone!), count ten breaths as they move in and out of the body and make sure that as you are counting, you actually feel the sensations of the breath in your body, allowing your mind to be free from any concerns about the day to come. If you lose count and get distracted, simply begin again when you notice you’ve lost count.
4. After counting the breaths, drop the counting and bring to mind three things you’re grateful for.
5. Get out of bed and start your day with a positive, appreciative attitude.