# data[].attributes.headline
Please find a range of support resources. This Padlet was updated on 18/06/2025. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Please find a range of support resources. This Padlet was updated on 18/06/2025. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It can be easy to rush through life without stopping to notice much.
Paying more attention to the present moment - to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you - can improve your mental wellbeing.

Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Mindfulness can help us enjoy life more and understand ourselves better. You can take steps to develop it in your own life.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness involves paying attention to what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment.

It's easy to stop noticing the world around us. It's also easy to lose touch with the way our bodies are feeling and to end up living "in our heads" - caught up in our thoughts without stopping to notice how those thoughts are driving our emotions and behaviour.

An important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience. This means paying attention to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. That might be something as simple as the feel of a banister as we walk upstairs.

Another important part of mindfulness is an awareness of our thoughts and feelings as they happen moment to moment.

How mindfulness helps mental wellbeing

Becoming more aware of the present moment can help us enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better.

When we become more aware of the present moment, we begin to experience afresh things that we have been taking for granted.

Mindfulness also allows us to become more aware of the stream of thoughts and feelings that we experience, and to see how we can become entangled in that stream in ways that are not helpful.

This lets us stand back from our thoughts and start to see their patterns. Gradually, we can train ourselves to notice when our thoughts are taking over and realise that thoughts are simply "mental events" that do not have to control us.

Mindfulness can help us deal with issues more productively. We can ask: "Is trying to solve this by brooding about it helpful, or am I just getting caught up in my thoughts?"

Awareness of this kind may also help us notice signs of stress or anxiety earlier and deal with them better.

Mindfulness-based therapies are recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a way to treat less severe depression.

NICE also recommends that employers make mindfulness available to all employees, to support mental wellbeing at work.

How to be more mindful

Reminding yourself to take notice of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the world around you is the first step to mindfulness.

Notice the everyday

As we go about our daily lives, we can notice the sensations of things, the food we eat, the air moving past the body as we walk.

Keep it regular

It can be helpful to pick a regular time, such as a morning journey to work or a walk at lunchtime, during which you decide to be aware of the sensations created by the world around you.

Try something new

Trying new things, such as sitting in a different seat in meetings or going somewhere new for lunch, can also help you notice the world in a new way.

Watch your thoughts

Some people find it very difficult to practise mindfulness. As soon as they stop what they're doing, lots of thoughts and worries crowd in.

It might be useful to remember that mindfulness isn't about making these thoughts go away, but rather about seeing them as mental events that come and go. This can be very hard at first, but with gentle persistence it is possible.

Some people find that it is easier to cope with an over-busy mind if they are doing gentle yoga or walking.

Name thoughts and feelings

To develop an awareness of thoughts and feelings, some people find it helpful to silently name them: "Here's the thought that I might fail that exam" or: "This is anxiety".

Free yourself from the past and future

You can practise mindfulness anywhere, but it can be especially helpful to take a mindful approach if you realise that, for several minutes, you have been trapped in reliving past problems or pre-living future worries.

Different mindfulness practices

As well as practising mindfulness in daily life, it can be helpful to set aside time for a more formal mindfulness practice.

Mindfulness meditation involves sitting silently and paying attention to thoughts, sounds, the sensations of breathing or parts of the body, bringing your attention back whenever the mind starts to wander.

Yoga and tai-chi can also help with developing awareness of your breathing.

Is mindfulness helpful for everyone?

Studies show that mindfulness can help with stress, anxiety and depression. More research is needed to show whether it helps with other mental health conditions.

Many people find mindfulness helpful, but it's not right for everyone. Some people find that it does not help them, or that it can make them feel worse.

More tips for wellbeing

There are other steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing. Learn more about the 5 steps to mental wellbeing.

You can also get your free Mind Plan on the Every Mind Matters website for personalised mental wellbeing tips and advice to your email inbox.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Awareness of ourselves and the world around us - sometimes called mindfulness - can improve our mental wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As the global leader in child-focused humanitarian response, Save the Children works in over 100 countries, including the U.S., reaching over 100 million children each year. In the last decade, our innovative literacy program, proven to significantly boost children's reading skills, has helped tens of millions of the world's most vulnerable children. In 2020, we proudly launched Coronavirus and Kids: Resources from Save the Children to support parents, caregivers, teachers, school administrators and those who care about children in response.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6 Relaxation Activities That Can Help to Calm Kids During Times of Anxiety

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our experts share relaxation and stress-reducing activities for children. Learn how to help manage anxiety in the wake of an emergency or crisis.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It can be much harder to show the same compassion to ourselves as we do to other people.

We're often much more critical of ourselves, particularly in tough situations, but this just makes a difficult time feel worse.

The mindful way is to meet life's challenges with an element of self-compassion, rather than passing judgment on yourself.

When you next face something difficult or disappointing, run through some of these phrases in your head:

"I'm okay."

"I can handle this."

"I'm doing my best."

"One setback does not mean I will fail."

"I do not need to be perfect."

"I can have limitations."

At first you will have to make a real effort to do this but, over time, it should become more natural.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is mindfulness? - Mental wellbeing tips - Every Mind Matters

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
See our expert advice to help explain what we mean by mindfulness, and try some mindfulness techniques and tips on how to start living in a mindful way.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You don’t have permission to access this resource.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
No age is too young for kids to reap the benefits of yoga. Looking for some poses and breathing exercises to get started? Our yoga instructor shares some favorites, and their benefits.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Breathing Exercises to Help Calm Young Children | Parenting Tips & Advice | PBS KIDS for Parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The most foundational technique for mindfulness is deep breathing. Here are 10 tips from a mom and PBS KIDS characters to help your family practice breathing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
1 Minute Breathe Bubble | Breathing Exercise

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When feeling stressed, use some of these exercise to help ground you and relax your breathing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Meditation for Seniors: The Zen Time of Your Life Starts Now

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Seniors, learn about the various methods of meditation along with the benefits you can experience for yourself, and live the best time of your life!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Healthy Benefits of Meditation for Seniors - Senior Lifestyle

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Meditation involves training your mind to focus, relax and redirect your thoughts. Find out more about meditation for senior citizens and how it can help your health.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The recent popularity of mindfulness and growing research around its many benefits has allowed it to be part of the modern prescription for health and wellness. You can now find meditations and information on any number of mindfulness topics-from mindful walking and mindful eating to mindfulness in the workplace and mindful parenting.

But what about mindful aging? Research around mindfulness has shown that it has benefits in several areas around aging including cognitive, physical, and emotional gains. It is actually possible to experience aging with greater ease and joy.

This is great news for an aging population. Over the next 25 years (by 2046), the population aged 85 and older could triple to almost 2.5 million people in Canada.[i] In this article, we take a closer look at the cognitive, physiological and emotional benefits of mindful aging.
Table of Contents
What is Mindful Aging?

Mindful aging is a practice that helps us to embrace the changes that are an inevitable part of growing old while also being active and engaged in our lives. Through mindfulness exercises and tools, it is possible to shift to a new mindset around aging that is fueled by passion, purpose, creativity and joy.

Cognitive Benefits of Mindful Aging

As we grow older, we are likely to experience changes in cognitive areas including planning, attention, multi-tasking, processing speed and various areas of memory.[ii] Mindfulness meditation involves training the mind to focus on a singular area for an extended period of time.

This type of attention training can have numerous benefits. Evidence suggests that mindfulness in older adults can have positive effects on:

Physiological Benefits of Mindful Aging

Aging brings about many physical changes to our bodies. Decreased muscle mass and loss of collagen brings changes to our physical appearance while aging also makes us more susceptible to many chronic health conditions.

Research has shown that mindfulness can positively influence many physiological factors associated with aging. These benefits include:

strengthened immune system

improved sleep

decreased blood pressure

improved chronic pain[iv]

Emotional Benefits of Mindful Aging

Aging begins the day we are born. In our youth driven culture this a difficult concept for some to grasp. Aging is sometimes thought of as the enemy with great steps being taken to prevent or delay the natural processes of the body.

Mindfulness is a wonderful tool to help us navigate the various stages of aging and changes at any point in our lives. Through mindfulness meditation we can learn valuable tools to help us with aging:

Acceptance - Meditation allows us to experience the impermanence of our thoughts, sensations and emotions. In aging we bring this acceptance to the changing nature of our bodies, roles, environments and relationships.

Resiliency - Mindfulness helps to regulate emotions and relieve stress and to notice and embrace various emotional states such as sadness or loneliness that can accompany aging.

Compassion - Practicing mindfulness as we get older can help to develop compassion for ourselves and widen our compassion for others as we see the interconnectedness of all living things.

Awareness - An increased awareness of the present moment to enjoy what matters most.

How To Practice Mindful Aging

Start a gratitude practice. Whether it is journaling or a reading gratitude quotes, incorporating gratitude into the day has positive effects on physical and mental health.

Practice slow walking. Take time on walks to wake into your sensations, noticing the colours around you, the sounds you hear, maybe noticing something new.

Change your language! Language shapes our perception, if we think we are too old to try something or resign ourselves to not doing something, we may miss out on new and wonderful experiences.

Surround yourself with like minded people. One of the most important aspects of aging is social support; surrounding yourself with people transitioning through similar stages of life is important for your physical and mental health.

Growing older is not the opposite of youth. Aging is part of the continuum with old and young coexisting. Aging brings many gifts. With time, we are able to slow down, let go of things that don't matter and enjoy what matters most.

We can find meaning and authentic happiness in our later years of life. Mindfulness can help us to experience aging with ease and joy. At Propel Physiotherapy, we take a holistic approach to rehabilitation that includes mindfulness. For more information about our mindfulness training services or mindfulness in general, please feel free to contact us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mindful Aging: The Benefits of Mindfulness Training for Older Adults

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The recent popularity of mindfulness and growing research around its many benefits has allowed it to be part of the modern prescription for health and wellness. You can now find meditations and information on any number of mindfulness topics-from mindful walking and mindful eating to mindfulness in the workplace and mindful parenting.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Improve and maintain your mental health

If you're struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, this simple mental health quiz can help. It generates a personalised plan based on the information you provide.

If you want help to deal with anxiety or low mood, tips to reduce stress or advice on how to fall asleep faster and sleep better, start the quiz above.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Take our quick, 5-question quiz for personalised tips and advice on looking after your mental health and wellbeing. Update your plan any time for new tips.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Happier meditation: Personalized Meditation & Mindfulness for Real Life

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Happier meditation: The meditation app that adapts to you with monthly check-ins. Manage stress, sleep better, and make mindfulness work for you. Start today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Calm is the #1 app for sleep and meditation. Join the millions experiencing better sleep, lower stress, and less anxiety.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Meditation and Sleep Made Simple - Headspace

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Live a healthier, happier, more well-rested life in just a few minutes a day with the Headspace app.