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Mindfulness

Commonly known as: mindfulness, mindful, relax, relaxation, meditation, meditate, guided meditation, mindfullness

Mindfulness

Explore mindfulness by scrolling through the page or simply select an option from the drop down if you wish to jump to the relevant section of the page:

What is Mindfulness?

As human beings, we spend a lot of time brooding on the past or worrying about the future. We often find we do things on automatic pilot, acting without thinking about what we are doing, usually because we have done it many times before. Have you ever walked home and don’t remember passing a specific landmark?

Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to, and seeing clearly whatever is happening in our lives at that moment in time. It can improve our mental wellbeing by helping us engage with the world around us more and understand ourselves better. It is a practical way to notice thoughts, physical sensations, sights, sounds, smells – anything we might not normally notice.

Mindfulness helps us to respond to life’s pressures in a calmer manner that benefits our heart, head, and body.

It encourages us to become more aware of our thoughts and feelings so that we can manage them in a different way with more positive outcomes.

Although mindfulness may have had its roots in the past, the benefits of mindfulness and meditation are now well understood. Research has positively linked mindfulness and meditation to stress reduction.

 

What can mindfulness help with?

Mindfulness can be helpful with the following conditions:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • stress
  • fatigue
  • chronic pain
  • physical symptoms without a medical diagnosis
  • sleep difficulties
  • anger management

 

Who can practice mindfulness?

Everyone can do it and it can be done anywhere, waiting for a bus, washing the dishes, walking the dog, in the office.

The skills might be simple, but because it is so different to how we might normally behave, it takes a lot of practice. With practice, you can learn to work differently with your thoughts and feelings.

 

How can I learn mindfulness?

To learn mindfulness you can use online courses or apps. To try some of these please see our online resources below.

 

Simple mindfulness task?

This five-step exercise can be very helpful during periods of anxiety or panic by helping to ground you in the present.

Before you start, pay attention to your breathing. Slow, deep long breaths can help you feel calm.

  1. Notice 5 things you can see around you.  It could be a chair, a pen or a picture on the wall.
  2. Notice 4 things you can touch.  It could be the fabric of your clothes, your hair, or a table.
  3. Notice 3 things you can hear.  It could be rain on the window, traffic passing by or music in the background.
  4. Notice 2 things you can smell.  It could be food, the smell of soap on your hands or a smell from outside.
  5. Notice 1 thing you can taste.  What does your mouth taste of – coffee, chewing gum, or your lunch?
Last updated: 04.01.2023
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Resources to help you practice mindfulness

Below are some links to downloadable resources and websites which provide information on how to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.

TypeTitleRelated to…Provider
Reading Reading

How to relax – NHS Easy Read Guide

Anxiety, Mindfulness, Stress mind
Web App Web App

Samaritans Self-Help App

Depression, Low Mood, Self-Harm, Students' Mental Health, Suicide, Young Person's Mental Health mind
Websites Websites

Mindfulness – NHS Self-help

Anxiety, Depression, Low Mood, Mindfulness, Stress mind
Reading Reading

Take Notice Flashcard – Gwent Five Ways to Wellbeing

Five Ways to Wellbeing mind
Reading Reading

Take Notice Postcard – Gwent Five Ways to Wellbeing

Five Ways to Wellbeing mind
Reading Reading

Take Notice Poster – Gwent Five Ways to Wellbeing

Five Ways to Wellbeing mind
Websites Websites

Digital Activities for 5 Ways to well-being

Anxiety, Depression, Five Ways to Wellbeing, Low Mood, Mindfulness

Digital Communities Wales and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Websites Websites

5 Ways to Wellbeing

Children's Mental Wellbeing, Depression, Low Mood, Mental Wellbeing mind
Websites Websites

Self Care for Anxiety and Panic Attacks – Mind

Anxiety, Social Anxiety mind
Reading Reading

Stress – NHS Self-help Guide

Anxiety, Stress mind
Reading Reading

Panic – NHS Self-help Guide

Anxiety, Panic, Stress mind
Showing 11 out of 21 results View all

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EPP Relaxation Sessions – GAVO

Body Scan – Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Sitting Practice | Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Movement Practice | Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Walking Meditation Practice – Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Showing 6 out of 11 results View all
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