I’ve been making this mindful practice an evening habit lately, finding it’s pretty simple and doesn’t require anything but your time. Being outside is preferable but even if you don’t have a garden or balcony, gazing out of an open window is the next best thing. Here’s what I recommend:

Check your local sunset time via the Met Office. Depending on location and time of year, expect to be there for 30-60mins, from just before sunset until it gets dark.
Wildlife at dusk is all part of the experience, but lighting a citronella candle or spraying yourself with insect repellent makes for a less irritating hour (trust me!)
Sit comfortably and breathe deeply.
Notice movement in nature – birds flying home to roost, breeze blowing the trees, moths and bats appearing as it darkens.
Stare at the sky and notice the changing colours and shapes of clouds, and how the fading light changes the colour of everything around you.
If you’re itching to move, some slow easy yoga stretches and balances work well – try cat/cow, triangle and tree pose.
Look for the first stars to appear and, if visible, gaze at the moon as it brightens. If cloudy, notice the moment street lamps and lights from neighbouring homes switch on.
Remain still, breathe deeply and reflect on the day until it’s dark and time to go back inside.

Is ‘dusk exposure’ – AKA the golden hour – the daily wellbeing boost we’re all missing? Here’s how to do it