Mindfulness Practice Can Improve Well-being

Mindful Monday is an initiative that forms part of the #BeActive Great British Week of Sport. Funded by the European Commission and ukactive, the initiative aims to promote the benefits of sport and physical activity. In recognition of Mindful Monday, Head of Physical Activity at Mind Hayley Jarvis explains the concept of mindfulness and how it can be beneficial.

Mindfulness is a technique you can learn that involves making a special effort to notice what's happening in the present moment (in your mind, body and surroundings), without reaching any judgements. It has roots in Buddhism and meditation, but you don't have to be spiritual, or have any specific beliefs, to try it or to enjoy positive results.

What are the benefits to mindfulness?

Many people find practising mindfulness helps them manage their day-to-day well-being. It can also help people to:

• become more self-aware
• feel calmer and less stressed
• feel more able to choose how to respond to their thoughts and feelings
• cope with difficult or unhelpful thoughts
• be kinder towards themselves.

How can coaches use mindfulness for themselves or the people they coach?

Anyone can try mindfulness, including coaches and people receiving coaching. For those starting out on their mindfulness journey, Mind’s mindfulness exercises and tips webpage contains several introductory exercises, including mindful:

• eating
• moving, walking or running
• drawing.

It also contains information on mediation and on how to conduct a body scan.

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