If you think you’re too busy to learn Mindfulness, then you need to learn Mindfulness!

Mindfulness has been in the press a lot over the last few years and with good reason. Research has shown that even brief periods spent in Mindfulness Meditation can measurably reduce stress. Simply focusing and developing an awareness of the moment; the sights, sounds and sensations of everyday life, can bring a sense of wellbeing and peace. This behaviour, which is at variance with a life of multi-tasking and non-stop thinking, may need to be learned and practised in order for it to come naturally, but the rewards are invaluable. Clearing your head of ‘chatter’ and living in the moment is not only stress-reducing it helps with productivity and creativity too; a focused individual is far more effective than a frazzled one.

Sadly, many of us accept a stressed state as normal, and have become used to operating in a state of overload, surrounded by others who are feeling similarly. In the workplace multi-tasking is often not only encouraged by employers, but is expected; considered erroneously to be a sign of effective working. In reality, whilst staff may be busy, they are often less effective than they seem. The effect of stress in the workplace is well documented and forward-thinking employers are introducing Mindfulness programmes for staff, but this is far from widespread.

Learning Mindfulness can benefit people in all areas of their life, as stress and over-thinking are rarely practises confined to the workplace. Using Mindfulness techniques to tune out ‘noise’ and focus on what’s important can really improve overall well-being. Research has shown that even short courses in Mindfulness can measurably reduce stress, improve mental clarity and increase creativity. Clients who have learned very simple Mindfulness techniques with me have reported a reduction in anxiety, improved sleep and generally feel happier.

Despite frequent mentions in the media, there are some misconceptions about Mindfulness. Sometimes portrayed as a relaxation technique, Mindfulness, which has its roots in Buddhist meditation, is about acceptance, rather than relaxation. Acceptance brings with it a calmer, quieter state of mind, which is something that many seek.

I have been teaching Mindfulness techniques for many years, historically with pregnant women as an easy self-hypnosis routine, and in recent years with stressed and anxious clients, those who ‘over-think’ or ‘catastrophise’. Whilst Mindfulness has become extremely popular recently, it’s been around for a very long time and to describe it (as many people do) as a buzzword is to trivialise its value. Many clients who book with me for hypnotherapy for stress reduction, anxiety or insomnia are pleased to learn some easy techniques that they can utilise to prevent or manage stressful situations.