After several years of daily meditation, I’m still amazed at how often I’m somewhere else rather than where I am at any given moment.

This morning, while chopping vegetables, I visited London, had a one-sided disagreement with a former colleague, made a mental list of chores that needed to be done, and crafted plans for a holiday party with my family. And that was all in the first few minutes!

One of the things a daily meditation practice has given me is a front-row seat to the show my mind puts on throughout the day. It’s like a wild cowgirl – reckless, undisciplined, and always on the move, chasing one thought after another. Driving to meet friends for a hike, it’s thinking about what we’ll do later in the day. Talking with my sister on the phone, it’s focused on what needs to get done when the conversation ends. Riding in the car with my husband, it pays closer attention to what other drivers are doing than to our conversation.

I used to judge myself for having such a busy mind, but learning to meditate has changed that. The mind’s job is to think. But not without supervision. Keeping a daily practice of sitting still, even for five minutes at a time, can mean the difference between heaven and hell. If you’re exhausted by how your mind gets tangled up in the past or future, here’s something simple you can do right now.

Stop, close your eyes, and be still like a cat. Notice the sounds in the room. Notice the sounds outside the room. Listen to your breath moving in and out through your nose. Feel your body in space. Where are your feet? Your hands? What is your body touching at this moment? Is there a scent in the room?

Now, pay attention to how the mind quiets down when you shift your focus to what’s happening right now.

Last week, I heard the results of a survey that said more than 70% of Americans feel anxious—no surprise with such a consequential election just around the corner. If there is ever a time to supervise your mind, this is it.

Five minutes is all it takes to have more peace. Please give yourself that gift throughout the day this week, starting right now

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