When I started trying out meditation, I noticed (at "random" times during each individual session) that I was more aware of my physical body.
It turned out that, for years, just during daily life, I wasn't present most of the time and hadn't realized it.
During these meditations, I learned to name a physical part of myself that I was able to feel, take a full breath (in/out) and notice if I felt safe.
In those moments I would continue breathing and then focus on how my breath felt, noticing any thoughts that came up and allowing them to exit (blew them out on exhale) without mentally engaging. It can be so hard. But! I started noticing I felt "quieter" with more focus on breathing.
This practice is cumulative. No matter how many times you "stop" and "restart", you aren't starting over again. It's more of a pause and resume...with benefits always accumulating.
Slow down, breathe, and notice.