Meditation to suit your mood

Originally, meditation wasn’t to fix anything, but about ‘giving us a greater sense of calm or clarity of mind and a more harmonious relationship with ourselves, other people and the world around us,’ says Puddicombe. But the side effects are that it does make you calmer, give you more peace and less stress, help you concentrate and deal with emotions better.

NEED FLEXIBILITY?

Apps now cater for all kinds of needs, from performance to sleep. Try Headspace, 10% Happier and Calm.

WANT TO LEARN IN A CLASS?

If you’re in London, find classes at Triyoga (triyoga.com) and Re:mind (remindstudio.com), or use the Yeotown Kitchen Meditation pods for free (yeotown.com). Bebox (be-box.com) uses sound for 20-minute guided sessions in the City.

WANT FOCUS?

Even eight minutes of mindfulness helps with mind wandering. Ten hours over two weeks improves attention and working memory.

ANXIOUS OR DEPRESSED?

Can’t sleep? Mindfulness has good supporting evidence. The technique with the most studies behind it in mental health is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

PREFER TO BE TAUGHT PERSONALLY?

Vedic and Transcendental Meditation are taught as courses, starting with a one-on-one when you’re given your mantra. Find Vedic at willwilliams meditation.com and TM at uk.tm.org.

FEEL LAZY?

Dan Harris has created a ‘taking back lazy’ meditation, curled up with the TV in the background, hugging a

child or a pet – the key is to bring your attention to your body, and to the feeling of relaxation and rest.

STRESSED?

Both MBSR and mindfulness training have proven effects on stress and emotional regulation. One Headspace study shows that a running streak of 30 minutes a day for 30 days resulted in a 30% decrease in stress.

FEEL ANGRY OR LONELY?

Try Loving Kindness meditation. This is where you repeat a positive mantra. For example, the simplest form might be ‘May I be well’, then you send this love into the world by saying ‘May you be well’. Visit 10percenthappier.com.