When you tell your eyes to close, they close; when you ask your lungs to breath, they breathe. These are natural reflexes that for most people happen without thought or effort. Unfortunately, when you tell your mind to stop thinking, it takes a lot more practice and training to achieve the same response. Whether it is before bed or at work, there will always be times when you need your mind to switch off so you can focus on the task at hand or simply get some rest. This article outlines two practical techniques that I have applied over the years to try and quiet my mind.