What is mindfulness?

In the fast-paced and ever-changing environment of early education and care, where the demands on professionals, families and children are constantly evolving, it can be challenging to find time for those relaxation activities that help us maintain focus, reduce tensions and, ultimately, create a positive environment to enhance quality learning. One influential tool that has gained significant attention in recent years is all about mindfulness. But what is mindfulness, and how can it be integrated into our everyday routine to promote a mindful attitude?  

Understanding what mindfulness is 

At its core, mindfulness is the process of being in the moment, living in the present and appreciating the here and now. It involves being acutely aware of your thoughts, emotions, sensations and surroundings as they occur. Rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about future problems, mindfulness encourages us to experience life as it is happening and bringing small details to the forefront of our attention.  

Mindfulness is rooted in ancient meditation history, but it has been adapted a to create a secular practice that is all about cultivating awareness and helping individuals to navigate complex thoughts and feelings. 

Early education and care professionals are constantly juggling multiple responsibilities – we’re first-aiders, cheerleaders, carers, educators, a helping hand, cooks, cleaners, planners and those that make things happen. With so much on the plate on a daily basis, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the vast array of tasks at hand. Mindfulness offers a simple way to manage stress, increase focus, and improve overall wellbeing using methods that can be easily implemented into everyday actions. Remember, you can’t water a plant from an empty bottle - we can only care for others when we care for ourselves too. 

Mindfulness is a practice that is unique to the individual so, the suggestions below might not work for everyone, need adapting or thinking through in a new way. Have a look at the tips below for some ideas on how to get started in your mindfulness journey.  

Mindful movement  

Getting outdoors, and especially in a natural environment, comes with its own wealth of benefits. But a magical combination of physical activity, outdoor space and mindfulness work to produce a beautiful concoction of positive emotion and physical wellness. Whether it’s your routine walk with the dog, a slow jog after work or something a bit more intense, paying attention to the detail of your surrounding, immersing yourself fully in the world around you, are effective mindful practices for paying great attention to the present. Focus on the sound of your feet on different surfaces outdoors, or the dew drops on leaves as you pass by a garden. From the smallest details to the largest views, taking a new perspective on what we see every day can make it seem very novel indeed.  

Mindful meditation  

In contrast to a physically exertive activity, mindful meditation focuses on your breathing and allows you to undertake a practice to help keep your attention to the present and think about your sensations in the moment. Take a look at this NHS meditation exercise to get you started!  

Mindful craft activities  

For those of us who struggle to stay still, a calming activity that promote attention to detail and prolonged focus can be equally beneficial for promoting the sentiments of mindfulness. Therapeutic colouring has grown in popularity for adults looking for an engaging and calming activity to undertake, helping to support the reduction of stress and promote being present.  Other craft-based activities that follow repetitive patterns, such as crochet or knitting, can also be effective for promoting feelings of mindfulness, relaxation and a sense of connection with the moment.

Mindfulness is just one way to promote healthy and balanced mental wellbeing and can take many forms. It might not be for everyone but achieving a mindful state of mind can take time to train your brain into, especially when it is used to the busy modern world that emphasises productivity and efficiency. Take time, be resilient and give yourself a chance to be mindful, even if at first you do not succeed. Whether it’s labelled as mindful or not, all activities that promote the same feelings of connectivity, belonging and relaxation are valuable for our mental health. As individuals, it’s important that we respond to our own needs and work to pay attention to what helps us best.