Who says mindfulness has to be serious? Here are some of our favourite tongue-in-cheek tips to help you stay mindful throughout the week, Mum-style:

Chocolate Stash Meditation: Sneak a piece of chocolate from your hidden stash and savour it slowly, focusing on the taste and texture. Let the rich, velvety goodness melt on your tongue as you embrace the blissful moment of indulgence. Bonus points if you can resist the callings and urge to share with the kids!

Loo Time Scroll Session: Need a moment of peace and quiet? Partner, parent, friend or family, take advantage by nodding their attention towards the kid’s direction and quickly sneak off to the loo for some scrolling time on your phone. Just remember to lock the door and move your legs every minute, no one needs pins and needles while their kids endlessly scream Maaaaaaaaaaaaaam.

Ms. Rachel and Co. Productivity Hour: Tune into your favourite TV show featuring Ms. Rachel and Co. for a dose of productivity (or ‘me time’, depending on your definition). Use the time to catch up on chores, enjoy a cuppa, or simply put your feet up and relax and watch your own favourite (it’s called self-care, look it up!!). Don’t feel guilty mammy, stay recharged by taking a break!

Mindful Commute: Turn your daily commute into a mindful experience by practising deep breathing and observing the world around you. In the car Turn the rubbish song on the radio off, don’t connect the mobile to Bluetooth and swap music for some positive affirmations. You can focus on the sensation of the steering wheel in your hands and the rhythm of your breath as you navigate through traffic. Take in the scenery around you, from the swaying trees to the changing colours of the sky. Remember, every red light is an opportunity for a mini-meditation session! Just don’t forget to keep your eyes on the road – mindfulness should never compromise safety!

With plenty of guided meditations available on apps such as Calm, Youtube etc. whether you are on foot, squashed onto the bus or nodding on the train, invest this time into yourself, chuck on a mindful music playlist, guided walking meditation, quick body scan or box breathing. This is also an ideal time to note in your Mindful Mums journal

1. Notice 5 things: Look around and identify five things you can see. They can be anything in your immediate environment, large or small. Take a moment to observe each one closely, paying attention to their colours, shapes, and textures.
2. Acknowledge 4 things: Next, shift your focus to your sense of touch and identify four things you can feel. These could be the texture of your clothes, the sensation of the ground beneath your feet, or the warmth of the sun on your skin. Notice each sensation without judgment.
3. Listen for 3 things: Tune in to your sense of hearing and identify three things you can hear. It could be the sound of traffic outside, birds chirping, or the hum of appliances in the background. Allow yourself to fully experience each sound as it arises.
4. Identify 2 things: Now, bring your attention to your sense of smell and identify two things you can smell. It might be the aroma of coffee brewing, flowers nearby, or even the scent of your own skin. Take a moment to breathe in deeply and savour each scent.
5. Focus on 1 thing: Finally, focus on one thing you can taste. This could be a sip of tea or coffee, a piece of fruit, or simply the taste of saliva in your mouth. Allow yourself to fully experience the taste sensation, paying attention to its flavours and textures.

With these light-hearted tips, you’ll be mastering the art of sneaky mindfulness in no time. Happy sneaking!