Calm · 3 min

Singwhile the kettle boils

The kettle takes about three minutes. Sing something, out loud, badly, on purpose, until it clicks.

3 minutesFrom the library, free to readFour steps

No one is listening, and if they are, so much the better. This is a small, slightly silly practice that takes no extra time at all.

The steps

Four small steps,in your own time.

Fill the kettle and switch it on.
Choose a song you half know: a chorus, a hymn, a jingle, a song from school.
Sing it out loud, at whatever volume the house allows. Humming counts.
Stop when the kettle clicks. Make the tea.

The reason

Why it helps

Singing uses the breath in a long, steady way, and it is hard to sing and hold your shoulders up at the same time. It also breaks the loop of thought that tends to fill the gaps in a busy day. Tying it to the kettle means you do not have to remember it; the kettle remembers for you.

A gentle variation

If singing feels too much, hum with your mouth closed, or tap the rhythm on the counter. If you are somewhere you cannot make a sound, sing it in your head and move your lips.

One hand resting over another on a wooden table

WE · TRIBE

Try itwith someone.

Sing it with a child, a partner or the person you look after. Let them choose the song next time. A kitchen with two people singing is a different room.

Make it a plan in HIVE LIVE, with WE