Older people concerned about making it through the winter in one piece and who are worried about how the cold weather could affect their joints might want to ditch the prescription medication in favour of meditation and mindfulness courses online.

Relaxation techniques can do an awful lot of good when it comes to managing pain and discomfort, so before you reach for those pills your doctor gave you, why not try an alternative form of therapy first? You never know, you could really change your life and start completely afresh in the new year.

There are lots of different ways to meditate but if you’re a beginner why not try the following idea. It’s very quick and simple, and can be learned in just five minutes.

Sit up with a straight back away from your chair and place your feet on the floor, with your palms turned upwards and your arms resting on your thighs. Inhale through your nose with a short and a long double breath. Then tense your body and hold your breath for five seconds. Exhale through the mouth in a double breath as before.

Inhale slowly and count to eight, holding your breath for a further eight counts. Exhale to a count of eight and without pausing repeat the exercise. Do this between three and six times. Then when your next breath comes naturally say ‘Hong’ to yourself mentally. When you exhale, say ‘Sau’ to yourself. Try to forget your breathing and enjoy the sense of peace you should now be feeling.