Mindful many are now working from home, but all of us are probably being challenged or at the very least unsettled by what is taking place - Punchline wanted to help.

Which is why we reached out to mindfulness expert Steve Brisk for some advice to help keep us all on track and mentally healthy.

"It has been proven that meditation not only improves your immune system, reduces stress as well as age related memory loss, improving sleep as well as improving mood," said Mr Brisk, who bills himself as Gloucestershire's first BSYA qualified meditation and mindfulness tutor.

Which was enough to convince the Punchline team - who are continuing usual duties, but operating from home.

"A minimum of ten minutes is all it takes and this should be looked on as an investment in the other 23 hours 50 minutes," Mr Brisk added.

Here is his advice... followed by some tips...

"Simply sit on a chair absolutely normally and smile a little. This triggers the 'feel good' chemicals in your brain.

"Scan the points of contact, usually, your feet on the floor, your hands on your lap and your but on the seat. Start wherever the sensation is strongest before going on to the other two. This puts you in a mindful i.e. present moment state.

"Breathing absolutely normally count ten out-breaths, and then, 10 in-breaths finally just 'watching' your breath, on the rise and fall of your

"After about ten minutes (not critical) finish by rubbing your hands together vigorously, massage gently around your eyes having a good yawn and stretch, then waiting at least one minute to allow your body and mind to get the full benefit (Punchline adds: remember to wash your hands afterwards).

"Thought will arise, that's normal, but each time a thought arises, gently bring yourself back to counting or 'watching' your breath. That's it!"

Tips

Turn off phone!

Find a quiet place where you will be undisturbed. House noisy? then car maybe.

Best done first thing in the morning when you are alert and it then it sets you up for the day.

Best not after food which can make you sleepy, Have a cup of tea, if you must!

Best if it becomes habit like brushing your teeth

Expect resistance. Sitting and doing nothing is contrary to what you have ever done. Every cell in your body will resist!

you will hopefully:

a) Feel less stressed

b) Sleep better

c) Feel happier

d) Feel more positive

e) Feel more in control of your life

f) Be less vulnerable to viruses etc, because your immune system can work at it's optimum.

g) Be less irritable in these days when we might feel on top of one another!

Good luck out there, from the Punchline team