MINDFULNESS is very much in the news these days as a means of finding tranquillity in our increasingly stressful world.

Mindfulness means merely to be present in the here and now, paying full attention to whatever is happening around you and within you.

We are subjected to many pressures – work, relationships, money, health worries and information overload to name a few.

Merely thinking about what’s happening to us can cause stress, and regretting the past and worrying about the future inevitably make us feel worse.

The result of these internal and external pressures is that the brain’s reaction to real danger, the ‘fight or flight’ mechanism, can be switched on all the time.

This isn’t good for us and can lead to stress-related illnesses, both physical and psychological.

Once we become stressed, ruminations can become even more negative and the stress duplicates.

Mindfulness gives us a way of breaking this vicious cycle by repeatedly turning gently away from thinking and towards our sensory experience.

Research shows these simple techniques dampen the reaction to stress and enhance activity in areas associated with well-being.

Evidence over more than three decades supports mindfulness, which has been shown to have a positive effect on physical and psychological health, and to enhance focus, memory, creativity and compassion, helping us to be the best we can be.

Experience the benefits of Mindfulness for yourself at The Terrace, in Taunton.

Tasters and courses start from tomorrow (Tuesday).

Contact The Terrace to book your place on 01823-338968 or email post@the-terrace.co.uk.