Start meditating
Meditation is good for your telomeres, the little tips at the end of each strand of DNA that protect your chromosomes and shorten with age. Keeping them long and fit for purpose (protecting the genetic material that creates healthy cell reproduction) can help slow the ageing process. Studies show that regularly practising meditation not only helps to soothe your angst but can also protect those telomeres. Try this from expert Patrizia Collard.
FIVE-MINUTE BREATHING SPACE
Imagine an hourglass: the upper part contains everything you are experiencing that is causing you distress. Hold all these things in your awareness for about five breaths. Look at them and accept with all your senses, that this is simply the way things are right now.
Picture the narrow neck of the hourglass, symbolising the point at which you let go of all thoughts as best you can and focus only on your breath. Breathe in and out slowly and calmly 10 times and try to let any thoughts simply pass by.
Next, visualise the bottom third of the hourglass. This is the base and the centre of strength. As you look at it, become aware of your feet and let yourself feel grounded. Imagine you are growing roots that go deep into the ground and visualise a tree, the symbol of strength and fortitude.
Hopefully, you will feel calmer and stronger and can see your anxious thoughts trickle down to the bottom of the hourglass where they can now stay.
Dr Patrizia Collard is author of The Little Book Of Meditation (Gaia), a mindfulness teacher and psychotherapist