What is Mindfulness?

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a type of meditation that essentially involves focusing your mind on the present.

It’s like training your brain to live more in the present moment. It frees you from constantly regretting past actions or worrying about the future, which is a state that most of us are trapped in and where a lot of our stress originates.

A body of research has shown that regularly practising the simple techniques can promote a sense of calm and well-being and acts as a great stress buster.

Scientists can now observe positive changes in the brain after a period of mindfulness practice. These changes result in more positive thinking, improved mood, less anxiety and stress and better relationships or a sense of connectedness.

Studies on the brains of people who practice mindfulness show a greater ability to cope with emotional upset and increased resilience.

Want to learn more about mindfulness? Why not check out our Everyday Mindfulness in 5 Steps guide.

For more information on mindfulness studies, please see the following research: “Mindfulness Meditation Changes Brain Structure in Eight Weeks (Jan 2011)” and “Psychological and neural mechanisms… (Jan 2013)”

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend 8 week mindfulness courses as a treatment for the prevention of relapse with depression. (CG90 Depression… Oct 09)

A talk by Mind in Salford’s CEO and Mindfulness Lead, Markus Greenwood, about how mindfulness techniques can be used in mental health and wellbeing practices. Delivered on 02/02/18 at the Mindful Living Show, Manchester.

You can view the slides from Markus’ presentation here.