“Everyone should be brushing their teeth twice a day, bookending the day,” says Dr. Fern White, a dentist in Australia who practices mindful dentistry. “If you do so mindfully, you can also be ‘brushing your brain.’”

Apply the toothpaste to your toothbrush.

Begin to brush. Breathe through your nose, slowly and deliberately.

Relax your neck and jaw.

Loosen your grip on the toothbrush. Feel the bristles moving over your teeth and the gums.

Taste the toothpaste.

As you rinse, breathe deeply through your nose. Notice your clean teeth.

Feel gratitude for your teeth and all that they allow you to do — chewing, smiling, speaking.

Mindful brushing, says Dr. White, gives your brain a chance to rest and “sets a peaceful tone for the day ahead or the night ahead.”