• You can pray or meditate using your own words or read prayers or poems written by others. You may also consider joining a prayer or meditation group at a local house of worship, or yoga center.

• Read poems, prayers or sacred texts silently or aloud, and then take a few moments to quietly reflect about the meaning that the words bring to mind for you.

• Spend a few minutes focusing your attention on a sacred object or being. You can use a tangible object like a statue or prayer card, or close your eyes and use your imagination. As you focus, bring feelings of love and gratitude into your thoughts.

• Start your day with a prayer or take a walking meditation break in the afternoon. It may be helpful to begin with 5-minute sessions once or twice a day and work up to 20 minutes each time.

• If you're meditating or praying to calm your mind and find that your attention wanders, slowly return to the object, sensation or prayer you're focusing on. Try using an image to bring yourself back to your focus. For instance, picture balloons floating away with your thoughts, or imagine your thoughts as pigeons and mentally clap your hands to get them to fly away.

This article about health and wellness was written by HHPC and reviewed by our Health Advisory Board.