Stopping for five minutes every so often to sit and stare...
...that is the Power of Five.

Too many people rush around trying to complete tasks and jobs, without ever stopping. Then they wonder why they don't get it all done or achieve the quality they want. Five minutes out to relax and unwind in whatever form appeals to you, can make a massive difference. You'll come back to the task feeling refreshed and likely to accomplish more. There are many simple and easy ways to make the most of your Power of Five and you'll find the ones that suit and work for you. Here are some of our favourites:

1 Seated on a chair, move your eyes to look to your left, your head follows to the left, then turn from the waist as if you're looking over your shoulder, hold for the count of 5. Return to the front and repeat to the other side. This is a slow and deliberate movement. Repeat 5 times each side. This is good for releasing the shoulder and neck muscles.

2 Breathe in through the nose, feeling the sensation of the breath as it moves through the nose to the lungs. Hold for 5 and then breathe out again feeling the breath leave the lungs and the nose. Repeat at least 10 times. Relaxes the mind and breathing.

3 Look out of a window, at a picture or poster and lose yourself in it. See the shapes, colours and patterns. It works even with looking at a poster with only words. This is good for relaxing the eyes and mind.

4 This one is brilliant for releasing anger or frustration. Close your eyes and feel a volcano of anger or frustration in your stomach. As this builds feel it rise up through your body to your head and release it through the top of your head or out through your ears.

5 Close your eyes and listen to a ticking clock, waves on a beach, birdsong, clacketty clack of a train or any sound you can focus on. Concentrate just on that sound. Relaxes the mind as you focus on what you're listening to.