Due to the current coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, we have had to cancel the current scheduled sessions. Our mindfulness provision will be updated as the situation improves.
What is mindfulness and how can it help me with stress?
Mindfulness is a form of meditation and is a practical skills-based programme to help train the mind to take better care of the body. You will learn to anchor yourself in the present moment using the breath which is very helpful when the mind seems chaotic and scattered. By fully engaging in our direct experience in the `here and now', we develop a clearer understanding of the way the mind works and learn the way our thoughts, emotions and reactions impact our health and quality of life. Mindfulness is not the same as relaxation but it will help you to deal with stress in a different way.
There is now very strong scientific evidence to suggest it has a number of health benefits and NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) whom advise the NHS about best practice, recommends mindfulness for relapse prevention in depression. Scientific research also indicates that mindfulness can also help with chronic pain; anxiety; stress and improve physical health and wellbeing.
What will be expected of me on the course?
The mindfulness course is an eight week programme meeting weekly for two and a half hours. You and your manager will be asked to give full commitment to attend all sessions and undertake daily home practice. The sessions are mostly spent practicing the three main components called 'The Body Scan, Sitting Practice and Mindful Movement'. If you have physical health or mobility problems we adapt to your needs.
Mindfulness is not for everyone because it requires a strong commitment to home practice and therefore prior to being offered a place on the course, you will be expected to attend an introductory session and complete a screening form.
The course purposes to help you with your own health and wellbeing and does not provide you with a teaching qualification.
All sessions are facilitated by Mo Boyd, Senior CBT practitioner and mindfulness teacher (Accredited with BABCP and Registered with UK Network for Mindfulness Teachers).
For more information, contact: healthandwellbeingcentre@nwbh.nhs.uk