Most of us live busy lives. Rushing around, multiple things to do, how often do we actually stop and take time to relax. It can feel like an alien concept to many. And if you do actually stop for a moment, how do you switch your mind off from that nagging voice telling what needs doing, where you should be, who needs you now. Somewhere along the evolution of humans we have put relaxation for relaxation sake on a back-burner. Five or ten minutes of relaxation can be so beneficial for us.

As Headspace states: "The benefits of a regular 10-minute meditation practice include a calmer mind, a more relaxed body, increased focus, clarity, and a greater sense of empathy and compassion."

Outdoor relaxing, somewhere tranquil can give added benefits of being in nature, but don't let that elusive weekend retreat hold you back. You can start right now, wherever you are, find a quiet space, be still and take a few deep breaths and listen, what do you hear? Try to focus on the birdsong, the rustling of the trees or the sound of water. In the time it took to read this blog post, you could have settled down and laid back into a guided relaxation. It really is that easy.

It helps to sit somewhere comfortable. The last thing you want is to feel your legs or bum going numb from a hard chair. It helps to have a routine, a regular time to switch off, although I wouldn't let this be an inhibitor if you can only grab a few minutes here and there occasionally, go for it.

Try not to be disturbed, having the dog barking or children running around you is not so relaxing, although we can't always time things to perfection.

Some people like to put feel flat on the floor, but that's not always the case- for instance I prefer my feet crossed, and sometimes move them to being flat on the floor during the relaxation. Maybe that's just me with restless feet! I suggest that whatever is comfortable for you, is the right way.

And not forgetting the most comfortable position for the hands. What suits you? I find that I start with my hands linked and as I become more relaxed, I tend to let them go. I have tried hanging my arms and hangs loosely by my sides, but within a few seconds my arms start to feel tingly, and the thought of getting pins and needles in my hands quickly alerts me to placing them back on my lap or the table in front of me, depending on where I am.

Also be mindful of the temperature around you. As you relax you may notice your body temperature decreasing slightly. This is normal, as you are moving much less, your system is calming down. You may want to put on a cardigan, close a window, or for optimal comfort get a soft blanket or your favourite wrap. Relaxing sends your body into rest mode, similar to winding down to sleep. Your heart rate slows down, as it will work in accordance to the need, so relaxing gives it a rest. Your digestive system slows down, so you might hear a gurgle or two, and that's completely normal, it's adjusting to being relaxed and will soon quieten again. I like to pop to the loo before I start, just so that I can forget about it and relax, but hey, for a short relaxation, I may not even think about it.

Writing this down makes me realise that I may be over-thinking it, and perhaps it's just about sitting comfortable and letting your body be in whatever position it naturally wants to be, and don't worry about it- after all we don't want to add stress, that would be counter-intuitive to relaxation.