MBSR is meditation taught as an eight-week course – teacher, group, daily homework – and that structure is why it’s one of the best-researched calming practices.

Resting your attention on one thing – noticing where the mind wanders, and bringing it back. The most studied calming practice there is, with solid evidence behind it.

Why a guiding voice often succeeds for exactly the people whom silent practice defeats – and why this isn’t a beginner’s version but simply a different, sometimes better, tool.

The ancient art of managing your own judgements – you are disturbed not by events, but by your opinions of them. The self-help system modern psychology rebuilt as CBT.

The oldest contemplative practice of all – and the one where the evidence splits most sharply. Intercessory prayer fails the trials; regular practice quietly does not.