Back when we didn’t have electric toothbrushes, my dentist told me that I was brushing my teeth too hard. He told me to hold the toothbrush like I was holding a baby bird. It stopped me from gripping and ripping over my gums.

It’s a good tip for other things. Turning on the car, holding your phone, pressing keys on a keyboard, making coffee, playing with your kids or pets. Be gentle, slow down. The baby bird approach will slow you down and make you more present. You’ll focus on the task at hand and stop you from rushing to the finish line.