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Improving the health and happiness of the world, one educator at a time.

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Mindfulness in the classroom | Headspace for Educators

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Help is a phone call away with launch of Cayman Kids Helpline

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With the launch of a new helpline serving adolescents, both young people and adults will have access to free, confidential mental health resources.

Who do you call?

The new Kids Helpline run by the Alex Panton Foundation will be available at 649-5437 starting 7 March. The companion website is already available at kidshelpline.ky. Adults can contact CayMind toll free at 1-800-534-6463 or by email at [email protected].

The Alex Panton Foundation is launching the Cayman Kids Helpline on 7 March to specifically meet the needs of children in the community, complementing the adult helpline offered by CayMind.

CayMind Founder Dympna Carten noted that these groups of lay volunteers are a fantastic asset but not a replacement for professional counselling, and anyone experiencing an emergency should call 911.

Where it began

The adult helpline arose from the added strain many community members felt during the pandemic, as they worried about their safety, the wellbeing of family and friends, and being unable to work, Carten told the Compass.

Seeing a need for this specific resource, Carten and fellow professional volunteers got the line up and running within a few days - a feat she said would typically take weeks or months.

Despite the rush to open, Carten said she takes pride in the helpline's longevity, even as immediate concern about the pandemic has waned.

"Essentially, it's about giving people the opportunity to talk," she said. "It's being there to listen, and then to educate people about what services are available."

It was originally known as the Mental Health Helpline, but the organisation rebranded to CayMind in March 2023, with assistance from the R3 Cayman Foundation. She said the organisation takes particular pride in its new smiling, headset-clad brain for a rebranded logo, which the organisation landed on after extensive community engagement.

Last year, CayMind was accepted to Befrienders Worldwide, an offshoot organisation of the UK-based Samaritans group that aims to provide crisis support and reduce suicides by making it easier for people to find nearby resources.

Empathetic listening

With the support of the Alex Panton Foundation, Befrienders Worldwide resident trainer Simon Dwyer led a two-day joint session last weekend that included about 20 volunteers with the foundation and six with CayMind.

Dwyer travelled from Germany to lead the training, where participants focused on promoting empathetic, confidential, non-judgmental listening services.

" The volunteers from both helplines showed up with open hearts and eager spirits ready to fully immerse themselves in this essential training, making for a very energised group," foundation project manager Emily Kelly said.

She said both teams have acquired licences to train volunteers.

"This is a huge step to ensure the continued growth of our volunteer pools, and ultimately our ability to sustain this important service for the community," she said.

Helpline or hotline?

Several phone resources are available in the community, and Carten clarified that the helplines generally provide support in non-crisis situations.

The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre hotline operates 24/7 to help those in crisis, particularly for victims of domestic violence. The centre's main line is 943-2422, and kids' helpline is 649-5437.

Executive director Ania Milanowska said the centre's emergency shelter provided a safe place for 118 people last year - 69 women and 49 children. The average stay is two months, though those needing it can possibly extend their time.

CayMind operates from 9am to 5pm Mondays through Fridays, and the Cayman Kids Helpline will be open 3-9 pm Thursdays through Sundays, but messages are forwarded by email in off hours. Translation services are also available.

Alex Panton Foundation executive member Dr. Erica Lam said in a press release that the kids' helpline app and website at kidshelpline.ky will also offer information on such issues as anxiety, depression, bullying and relationships. One anonymous public high school teacher who has visited the recently launched helpline website said they believe it will be a great child-friendly resource.

"Being in the classroom with so many children who face different behavioural challenges, I am happy to know that there is a website out there that they can refer to in order to help them with their challenges," they said.

Making an impact

Carten often takes calls herself, and she remembers being able to aid a "very bright, able" young caller who believed he didn't have anyone to support him at home, school or anywhere else.

"They just didn't know where to go," she said. "They felt unloved, unworthy - felt that their life was actually pointless and purposeless, and had thoughts of self harm that they fortunately never acted upon. But I think that they were actually quite close to it at times."

She added, "I know that we have a lot more work to do, but I really feel that moving ahead, it's only going to become stronger and be a really, truly valuable resource for all the people of the Cayman Islands."

Mental health resources

If you, or others you know, are struggling with issues similar to those raised by this article, there are resources available to help.

In an emergency, call 911.

CayMind (formerly Mental Health Helpline). Call 1-800-534-6463 (MIND) Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The helpline was established during the pandemic to provide support.

The Alex Panton Foundation. The nonprofit facilitates support groups and offers resources on grief. For information about support services, email [email protected] or visit alexpantonfound.ky/resources.

Alex's Place. Offers walk-ins and referrals to adolescents ages 10-20. Located in the Cayman Islands Hospital or call 244-7856 or 949-8600.

Department of Children and Family Services. For non-critical services provided by the department, email [email protected] or call 949-0290 in Grand Cayman and 948-2331 in Cayman Brac, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.

The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre. The charity provides support to all victims of domestic violence. Call the 24/7 crisis helpline at 943-2422, and kids' helpline at 649-5437.

There are a number of private health care providers offering counselling and support, such as Infinite Mindcare and The Wellness Centre.

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Help is a phone call away with launch of Cayman Kids Helpline

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With the launch of a new helpline serving adolescents, both young people and adults will have access to free, confidential mental health resources.

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Cayman Islands Official Tourism Website | Welcome to the Cayman Islands | Cayman Islands Official Tourism Website

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Cayman Islands Official Tourism Website | Welcome to the Cayman Islands | Cayman Islands Official Tourism Website

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Welcome to the official tourism site for the Cayman Islands, an interactive and informative site of our three compelling islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac.

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International Women's Day Gala Celebration by 7 Mile Society

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Join 7 Mile Society as they launch the inaugural Cayman Islands International Women's Day Dinner and Gala Celebration!

This will be a night filled with inspiring women, exciting musical and entertainment performances, media and delicious food and drinks from the culinary team at Mykonos Steak Club. Don't miss out on this incredible event that honours the achievements of notable women and promotes the international movement for women's equality and inclusion.

The dinner will host and honour a number of notable and iconic female leaders from the worlds of business, arts, philanthropy, entertainment and the local community, followed by an all-night party until 2am featuring a headline DJ performance by international star Brandi Cyrus and other talents TBA.
Special Guest Honourees

Betty Baraud, MBE, Cert Hon Founder of Baraud International

Selita Ebanks, Actor, Producer, Activist, Supermodel

Elizabeth Chambers, CEO, Bird Bakery, TV Personality

Janet Hislop, CEO of Cayman National Corporation

Natalie Urquhart, BEM Director/Curator of National Gallery

Sutton Burke, LCPC Founder of Infinite Mindcare

Mercedes Foy Manager of Cayman Female Rugby

VIP Dinner An exclusive culinary experience honouring outstanding female icons from the local and international community, from 7pm.

IWD After Party Featuring live music, cocktails, dancing and an inclusive DJ performance by global icon Brandi Cyrus, from 9pm.

A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre to support their efforts. This event is officially recognised by the IWD international governing body.

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International Women's Day Gala Celebration by 7 Mile Society

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Join in the inaugural Cayman Islands International Women's Day Celebration!

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Here’s to Celebrating Black Futures Month 2024!!

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Here’s to Celebrating Black Futures Month 2024!!

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Who declared February to Black History Month? In 1976 the association that Woodson had founded (later renamed the Association for the Study of African American Life and History) facilitated the widespread institutionalization of February as Black History Month, and U.S. President Gerald Ford urged Americans to participate in its observance

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Please register online to attend this Symposium on 17th February 2024.

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Please register online to attend this Symposium on 17th February 2024.

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https://towermarketing.formstack.com/forms/apf_youth_mental_health_symposium2024

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One in four of us will experience a mental health problem, but many still feel isolated, ashamed and unable to open up on their lived experience. The ‘Time to Change’ was co-founded by our partner charity Rethink Mental Illness to end mental health discrimination. Time to Talk Day encourages everyone to be more open about mental health – to talk, to listen, to change lives.

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Event Details

The 2nd Annual Addison Kelly Butterfly 5k Walk/Run will be held on Saturday 3rd February, 2024. All funds raised will go to the Addison Kelly Memorial Scholarship that will be administered through the Alex Panton Foundation. We hope you will join us in honouring Addi. To register, click the link below: https://organizations.hakuapp.com/sites/organization_sites/ad6170731f83ccee0915

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Addison Kelly Butterfly 5k Walk/Run - Alex Panton Foundation

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Event Details The 2nd Annual Addison Kelly Butterfly 5k Walk/Run will be held on Saturday 3rd February, 2024. All funds raised will go to the Addison Kelly Memorial Scholarship that will be administered through the Alex Panton Foundation. We hope you will join us in honouring Addi.

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World Cancer Day 2022-2024 theme: Close the Care Gap.

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World Cancer Day 2022-2024 theme: Close the Care Gap.

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2024 Theme: Together, we challenge those in power

https://youtu.be/m6EjSxnie0g

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Body aims that are not about weight or looks 

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Body aims that are not about weight or looks 

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Body aims that are not about weight or looks

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Family Fun Day at The National Gallery 27th January 

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Family Fun Day at The National Gallery 27th January 

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he Family Fun Day at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is a free event scheduled for January 27, 2024, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The event is designed for families with children and includes in-gallery activity sheets, guided studio workshops, and pop-up outdoor art stations. No booking is required to attend the event.

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The Happy Chemicals And How to Access Them 

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The Happy Chemicals And How to Access Them 

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No man should be told to "man up". #InternationalMensDay

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No man should be told to "man up". #InternationalMensDay

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Happy New Year to you all.

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In December, our attention will be directed toward exploring the impact of Christmas on mental health and offering coping strategies for those facing challenges during the holiday season. As we currently navigate through November, our focus on Men's Mental Health includes an article highlighting the particular difficulties some men may experience during Christmas.

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Though the festive period is arguably the busiest time of year, it seems that males aged 25+ suffer from loneliness, anxiety and a number of pressures at Christmas, new research from leading professionals in behavioural care, The Priory Group, has revealed.

Our survey says...

The survey, that questioned 2,000 UK males aged 25 and over and was commissioned by One Poll, reveals how over a quarter of 25-34 year olds feel lonely at Christmas, even in the company of others.

Whether it's financial problems or pressure from work colleagues, unmarried men in relationships find themselves feeling anxious about the year to come more than single, married, cohabiting or widowed men.

Research has found that nearly a quarter of males surveyed experience more financial stress at Christmas time, rather than at any other time of the year.

Top pressures men face at Christmas

To attend work Christmas parties (42%)

Financial worries (41%)

Feeling pressure at work (30%)

Worrying about the year ahead (25%)

Spending time with family (20%)

Job security (14%)

Over a quarter (26.3%) of those aged 25-34 feel anxious at the prospect of spending time with family over the festive period.

Dr Ian Drever, Consultant Psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Woking, explains:
"Anxiety is generally a 'warning light' which the body uses to flash up some kind of overload, such as an impending event, too much time pressure, difficult interpersonal relations, or too many demands to juggle. At Christmas, the nature of such demands increases greatly. Christmas is also loaded with expectations for young men - expectations of family and friends to help create and take part in a 'perfect Christmas' and expectations of society, that such behaviour is the norm, and that any deviation from this is a sign of weakness or selfishness. All this creates a 'perfect storm'. It's no wonder that my clinics are so busy at this time of the year."
People in London (50.4%), North East (53.64%), North West (50.6%) and Northern Ireland (58.6%) find Christmas a particularly emotional time of year. Surprisingly 53% of males aged 25+ in Northern Ireland stated that stress negatively impacted their Christmas, with 44.8% working over the Christmas break to keep up with the pressure of work.

Loss and loneliness

81.3% of widowed males find Christmas an emotional time of year with 53.1% feeling lonely, even when they are around other people.

Out of all males surveyed, 25-34 year olds felt the loneliest at Christmas as opposed to the rest of the year, and felt the highest pressure to work over the festive break to keep up with work targets.

With over a quarter of men (30.2%) feeling lonely at Christmas and over half of men feeling pressure to attend their work's Christmas party, it's clear to see how Christmas can bring all different types of pressures for men.

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1 in 3 men feel lonely at Christmas, even in the company of others

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With Christmas being a lonely and stressful time for many, we look at what you can do manage these feelings and enjoy the festive season.

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Over the past few years, Cayman's community has become well acquainted with the growing number of events that take place in November that focus on the health and wellness of men and boys.

'Mo'vember' - as the month is being called - is a month-long awareness, education and fundraising effort that focuses on men's mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer.

"International Men's Day (IMD), November 19, celebrates the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities, while highlighting men's well-being," noted Health and Wellness Minister Sabrina Turner.

"While traditional social and cultural norms are better understood within the context of how they impact the health, wellness and safety of women and girls, these efforts serve to highlight how such norms also have a detrimental effect on men and boys," the minister added.

The minister added: "Suicide prevention is a key concern for both Mo'vember and IMD due to the fact that globally the suicide rate for men is twice as high as for women, even though women are more likely than men to attempt suicide. How is this possible? Research has shown that male suicide methods are often more violent, which makes it more likely they can be completed before anyone can intervene and offer assistance."

Men also have a shorter life expectancy than women. Globally men tend to live for an average of 70 years, whereas women live for an average of 75 years.

Research also suggests that men could be less aware of their own symptoms and wellbeing, which is why in some nations men are twice as likely to suffer from illnesses like lung cancer and heart disease than women.

"The economic and human cost to individuals, families, communities and society of suicidal behaviours, heart disease, lung cancer, and shorter life expectancy make all of these issues serious public health problems that need to be acknowledged, understood and addressed," the minister noted.

The Department of Counselling Services, via both The Counselling Centre (TCC) and the Family Resource Centre (FRC), offer mental health support to all residents of the Cayman Islands free of cost.

Additional mental health support services are offered via:

The Mental Health Helpline: 1-800-534-6463

Cayman Islands Crisis Centre 24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-534-2422

The Family Resource Centre will also be observing IMD via a series of events between November 12 and 25:

November 12: Men & Boys' Basketball Tournament

November 19: Men & Boys' Football Tournament and IMD Dress for a Cause

November 22: Raising Resilient Boys- parenting seminar

November 25: The State of Men and Boys Forum

For more information, log on to www.frc.ky.

Loop is better in the app. Customize your news feed, save articles for later, view your reading history and more. Click the links below to download the app for Android and IOS.

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#LoopGoodNewsDay: 'Mo'vember' to see focus on well-being of men | Loop Cayman Islands

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Over the past few years, Cayman's community has become well acquainted with the growing number of events that take place in November that focus on the health and wellness of men and boys. 'Mo'vember' - as the month is being called - is

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Yesterday marked the beginning of National Self Care Week, highlighting the importance of self-care for you, families, communities, and generations.

There are simple steps you can take to look after your whole self, from head to toe, today and everyday.

Start the week by checking in on your own and others' mental health with our My Whole Self MOT:

#SelfCareWeek #MindAndBody #MyWholeSelf #SelfCare #MentalWellbeing

(Image description: My Whole Self MOT. White text on a green background. Six prompts: How's my mental health today?; My Stress Container; My mental health journey; Looking after my wellbeing; How's my thinking today?; What can I do to look after my whole self?)

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Join 7 Mile Society as they launch the inaugural Cayman Islands International Women's Day Dinner and Gala Celebration!

This will be a night filled with inspiring women, exciting musical and entertainment performances, media and delicious food and drinks from the culinary team at Mykonos Steak Club. Don't miss out on this incredible event that honours the achievements of notable women and promotes the international movement for women's equality and inclusion.

The dinner will host and honour a number of notable and iconic female leaders from the worlds of business, arts, philanthropy, entertainment and the local community, followed by an all-night party until 2am featuring a headline DJ performance by international star Brandi Cyrus and other talents TBA.
Special Guest Honourees

Betty Baraud, MBE, Cert Hon Founder of Baraud International

Selita Ebanks, Actor, Producer, Activist, Supermodel

Elizabeth Chambers, CEO, Bird Bakery, TV Personality

Janet Hislop, CEO of Cayman National Corporation

Natalie Urquhart, BEM Director/Curator of National Gallery

Sutton Burke, LCPC Founder of Infinite Mindcare

Mercedes Foy Manager of Cayman Female Rugby

VIP Dinner An exclusive culinary experience honouring outstanding female icons from the local and international community, from 7pm.

IWD After Party Featuring live music, cocktails, dancing and an inclusive DJ performance by global icon Brandi Cyrus, from 9pm.

A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre to support their efforts. This event is officially recognised by the IWD international governing body.

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International Women's Day Gala Celebration by 7 Mile Society

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Join in the inaugural Cayman Islands International Women's Day Celebration!

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For stress awareness month which is approaching in November here are the five areas of therapeutic self-care to aid as a helpful reminder to look after yourself!

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Posted by Nicholas Gavaza

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Thank you to Sandy for sharing this powerful message.

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Check in on those around you | #WorldMentalHealthDay 💛💚 #youarenotalone

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Every year we celebrate World Mental Health Day on the 10th October. The theme for 2023, set by the World Foundation of Mental Health, is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’.

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“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”

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Tips for Handling Difficult Conversations

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Tips for Handling Difficult Conversations

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please see the staff notice board for information and events which are taking place in Cayman.

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The Cayman Breast Cancer foundation can assist with payment of screenings and treatment if insurance does not cover the cost.

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In a wide-ranging interview, music mogul, speaker, professor, author and entrepreneur Mathew Knowles, 71, speaks about male breast cancer, his return to the Cayman Islands, entrepreneurship, and raising pop icons.

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Breast Cancer Foundation - Cayman Islands

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The Breast Cancer Foundation is a charitable organization providing support to breast cancer patients in the Cayman Islands.

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Important Breast Cancer awareness information. 

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Important Breast Cancer awareness information. 

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The counsellors are here to support all staff. Please contact us if you need any emotional support at school. 

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The counsellors are here to support all staff. Please contact us if you need any emotional support at school. 

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to promote health and wellbeing.

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Cayman Active - Cayman Islands Sports, Health, and Fitness Events

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Events - Cayman Active - Cayman Islands Sports, Health, and Fitness Events Active

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Browse upcoming events, register, or post an event.

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Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament 2024 - Cayman Islands Angling Club

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Cayman International Fishing Tournament 2024 

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Cayman International Fishing Tournament 2024 

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The Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament (CIIFT) is the Islands' premier sportfishing experience for over 25 years and will be held on April 23 - 30, 2024. The tournament features a mix of local and international anglers competing for cash and prizes in various categories.

Eligible species include Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Dolphin, and Billfish. Base entry fee is US$500 per boat, this makes teams eligible for over US$65,000 in cash prizes. The Cayman National Jackpot entry is US$3,500 per boat and payout is estimated at over US$100,000.

Sponsors

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Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament 2024 - Cayman Islands Angling Club

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament (CIIFT) is the Islands' premier sportfishing experience for over 25 years and will be held on April 23 - 30, 2024. The tournament features [...]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament (CIIFT) is the Islands' premier sportfishing experience for over 25 years and will be held on April 23 - 30, 2024. The tournament features a mix of local and international anglers competing for cash and prizes in various categories.

Eligible species include Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Dolphin, and Billfish. Base entry fee is US$500 per boat, this makes teams eligible for over US$65,000 in cash prizes. The Cayman National Jackpot entry is US$3,500 per boat and payout is estimated at over US$100,000.

Sponsors

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament 2024 - Cayman Islands Angling Club

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament (CIIFT) is the Islands' premier sportfishing experience for over 25 years and will be held on April 23 - 30, 2024. The tournament features [...]

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Summary

What is mindfulness?

What are the benefits of mindfulness?

Who can practice mindfulness?

How can I practice mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a technique you can learn to be fully present and engaged in the moment without judging anything. It can help you manage your thoughts, feelings and mental health.
What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness exercises are ways of paying attention to the present moment using techniques like meditation, breathing, and yoga. Training helps people become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and body sensations so that instead of being overwhelmed, they're better able to manage them.

The Oxford Mindfulness Centre has more information on how mindfulness works.
We have a guide on mindfulness that you can download or order
What are the benefits of mindfulness?

Mindfulness can help you:

understand your emotions better

cope better with difficult thoughts

feel calmer

boost your attention and concentration

improve your relationships

Studies show that mindfulness-based approaches can significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. They can also help people who have been depressed several times to stay well and avoid relapsing.

Who can practice mindfulness?

Anyone who wants to improve their day-to-day well-being can practice mindfulness. While it has roots in Buddhism, you don't have to be religious or spiritual to practice it.

However, you may not find mindfulness helpful if you're very unwell and would find it too overwhelming to learn a new skill. You also need to be prepared to notice difficult thoughts, which could make you feel worse at first.

People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) should know that mindfulness could worsen their trauma symptoms. If you've experienced trauma, paying close attention to yourself in mindfulness exercises can trigger flashbacks, intense emotions or dissociation. Make sure your teacher is properly trained and able to adapt the exercises for you if necessary.

If you're unsure, talk to your GP or a trained mindfulness practitioner before starting.

How can I practice mindfulness?

Formal courses

There are some structured mindfulness programs aimed at helping people with specific problems.

In general, MBCT and MBSR are group-based and run over eight weeks by a qualified practitioner.

Talk to your GP or use the online NHS service finder to see if these courses are run near you. Their availability varies across the country, and you may have to join a waiting list.

You can search for a private mindfulness teacher through the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches. Some counsellors and therapists use mindfulness techniques as part of their approach. Our page on talking therapies has links to professional bodies you can search for a qualified counsellor.

Self-guided resources

You can use many books, CDs, apps and online courses to practice mindfulness.

You could start with our guide 'How to look after your mental health using mindfulness'. You can download it for free or order a printed copy for a small fee.

The Oxford Mindfulness Centre has free audio mindfulness sessions and links to books and other resources.

Mindfulness in daily life

As well as setting aside time for more formal practice, you can practise mindfulness daily. For example:

Notice everyday things like the air moving past you as you move, the feel of a bannister as you go upstairs, or the taste and textures of the food you eat

Pick a regular time - such as your morning commute or evening walk - to be more aware of the sensations caused by the world around you

Try something new, like a different route home from the station or a different seat on the bus. This can help you notice the world in a different way

Watch your thoughts. If you sit quietly for a few moments, you will probably notice thoughts drifting through your mind. Instead of engaging with them, simply observe them and let them go

Mind has more simple mindfulness exercises you can try right now.

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What is mindfulness, the benefits of mindfulness, who can practice mindfulness, and how can I practice mindfulness?

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Summary

What is mindfulness?

What are the benefits of mindfulness?

Who can practice mindfulness?

How can I practice mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a technique you can learn to be fully present and engaged in the moment without judging anything. It can help you manage your thoughts, feelings and mental health.
What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness exercises are ways of paying attention to the present moment using techniques like meditation, breathing, and yoga. Training helps people become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and body sensations so that instead of being overwhelmed, they're better able to manage them.

The Oxford Mindfulness Centre has more information on how mindfulness works.
We have a guide on mindfulness that you can download or order
What are the benefits of mindfulness?

Mindfulness can help you:

understand your emotions better

cope better with difficult thoughts

feel calmer

boost your attention and concentration

improve your relationships

Studies show that mindfulness-based approaches can significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. They can also help people who have been depressed several times to stay well and avoid relapsing.

Who can practice mindfulness?

Anyone who wants to improve their day-to-day well-being can practice mindfulness. While it has roots in Buddhism, you don't have to be religious or spiritual to practice it.

However, you may not find mindfulness helpful if you're very unwell and would find it too overwhelming to learn a new skill. You also need to be prepared to notice difficult thoughts, which could make you feel worse at first.

People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) should know that mindfulness could worsen their trauma symptoms. If you've experienced trauma, paying close attention to yourself in mindfulness exercises can trigger flashbacks, intense emotions or dissociation. Make sure your teacher is properly trained and able to adapt the exercises for you if necessary.

If you're unsure, talk to your GP or a trained mindfulness practitioner before starting.

How can I practice mindfulness?

Formal courses

There are some structured mindfulness programs aimed at helping people with specific problems.

In general, MBCT and MBSR are group-based and run over eight weeks by a qualified practitioner.

Talk to your GP or use the online NHS service finder to see if these courses are run near you. Their availability varies across the country, and you may have to join a waiting list.

You can search for a private mindfulness teacher through the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches. Some counsellors and therapists use mindfulness techniques as part of their approach. Our page on talking therapies has links to professional bodies you can search for a qualified counsellor.

Self-guided resources

You can use many books, CDs, apps and online courses to practice mindfulness.

You could start with our guide 'How to look after your mental health using mindfulness'. You can download it for free or order a printed copy for a small fee.

The Oxford Mindfulness Centre has free audio mindfulness sessions and links to books and other resources.

Mindfulness in daily life

As well as setting aside time for more formal practice, you can practise mindfulness daily. For example:

Notice everyday things like the air moving past you as you move, the feel of a bannister as you go upstairs, or the taste and textures of the food you eat

Pick a regular time - such as your morning commute or evening walk - to be more aware of the sensations caused by the world around you

Try something new, like a different route home from the station or a different seat on the bus. This can help you notice the world in a different way

Watch your thoughts. If you sit quietly for a few moments, you will probably notice thoughts drifting through your mind. Instead of engaging with them, simply observe them and let them go

Mind has more simple mindfulness exercises you can try right now.

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What is mindfulness, the benefits of mindfulness, who can practice mindfulness, and how can I practice mindfulness?

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April - Stress Awareness Month:

Interactive stress container tool for staff

This stress container tool can help staff understand how we experience stress, recognise the stressors in our lives, and learn how to address our stress levels.