BBC Culture Correspondent, David Sillito, tried mindfulness meditation and talks about his experience & an interview with Dr Danny Penman, author of "Mindfulness - A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World".
Find out if mind over matter really can help improve pain and depression.
In January 2011, Action for Happiness partnered with BBC Breakfast to run a week-long Happiness Challenge. The aim was to get members of the public trying out simple actions to improve their happiness, based on the latest scientific research.
To take part in the challenge, download the Happiness Challenge workbook on this page and everything will be explained.
It wont take much time, there are just three parts to the challenge:
1. 10 minutes of daily mindfulness meditation
2. Writing down good things that happen to you and a letter expressing your gratitude
3. Doing one or more additional acts of kindness each day
We are living in an increasingly busy world. Often we are wrapped up in thoughts and feelings, constantly moving from one thing to the next without a moment's peace.
Sometimes is it useful to stop, and ask yourself, "How is my mind right now?"
Take a few moments to look and see.
Social relationships and the people around you are one of the most important happiness factors. Share your views about ways to improve mental well-being with our wide social network by posting on our Facebook wall or tweeting with the hashtag #bbchappy
Former Buddhist monk Andy Puddicombe guides you through a mindfulness exercise that he says will help you worry less, enjoy daily life more and get on better with the people around you.
Take a few moments to look and see. Whatever you are thinking, whatever you are feeling, simply be aware of this without a need to change what you observe.