Start the week off well with this simple mindful breathing exercise that will help you develop a sense of calm and focus. The beauty of mindful breathing is that you can practice it anywhere and anytime, without special equipment or advanced knowledge. All you need is the air in your lungs, a little intention, and you’re good to go.

The basic technique is to focus your attention on your breath—the inhale and exhale—with openness and curiosity. Studies have shown that the ability to focus attention on your breath can actually help you deal with everyday stress, anxiety and emotional ups and downs.