When we smile our faces relax, we relax, so if you’re looking to improve your relaxation this year try smiling more.

A firm favourite in mindfulness is the smiling meditation. It always reminds me of when Peter Pan tells the children they need a “Happy Thought” in order to fly. So now it’s your turn to learn. Close your eyes and picture a happy moment, it can be something like an achievement or the face of a loved one, whatever you can think of to make you smile. Now just hold that image in your mind and breathe for a few minutes. This is a great and quick way to relax.