What is Mindfulness?

Our minds often get carried away in thought, worrying about the past or future. Mindfulness is the practice of returning again and again to the present moment.

Research shows that when you train your brain to be mindful, you’re actually changing its structure. Mindfulness can help you become a better listener to a friend, and it can help you wind down for a relaxing night’s sleep.

Mindfulness Activity Pack

As part of our Year of Living Well, this month we’re focusing on having a healthy brain. As you spend time practicing mindfulness, you may find yourself feeling kinder, calmer, and more patient. Check out our Mindfulness Activity Pack with activities and games to help you get started:

Click here to download the pack

Getting Started with Mindfulness

Here are some steps you can take to practice mindfulness:

1. Set aside some time. You don’t need any equipment to practice your mindfulness skills, just find some time and a comfortable place to sit. Where do you feel most calm?

2. Be in the present moment. The aim of mindfulness is not switching off all of our thoughts, but paying attention to our surroundings. What can you see, hear, smell, taste or touch?

3. Let your thoughts come and go. When worries, thoughts and memories arise during our practice, we can just notice them and let them pass rather than dwell on them.

Support worker Mims in Leeds shares her advice for mindfulness: “My most important tip is to not try and practice mindfulness when you’re upset or angry. The best time is to be in a good place and you have time to yourself, so you can build it up and change your mindset to better equip yourself in stressful times. There’s many kinds of mindfulness I practice, like reflecting, being grateful and also pausing to take a breath.” Read more about Mims in Issue 4 of Creative People.

It’s often been said that mindfulness is very simple, but not always easy. It’s also important to recognise what works for you as everyone is different. You might find it most helpful to chat to your GP or support staff about what’s best for you.

Zoom Colouring Session

We’ll also be hosting a mindfulness colouring session over Zoom where the people we support can complete the colouring page together along with staff from Head Office. The Zoom will take place on Friday 17th May at 1pm. Email marketing@creativesupport.co.uk for the link.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop us an email at communications@creativesupport.co.uk