What is Mindfulness?
What is Mindfulness?
“Mindfulness” refers to intentionally paying attention to the present moment, non-judgmentally, and
with openness to whatever arises. It’s about noticing your thoughts, feelings and body sensations without getting stuck in them. As the
Mental Health Foundation puts it, mindfulness helps you "be fully present and engaged in the moment without judging anything.
The Benefits for Mental Health?
Reducing stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms
Research shows that mindfulness helps people feel calmer, less stressed, and better able to cope
with anxious or depressive thoughts.
A study from the University of Bath found that just 10 minutes of daily mindfulness for a month
reduced anxiety by ~ 12.6 % and improved wellbeing by ~ 6.9 %.
It helps you recognise unhelpful patterns of thinking (worrying about the future or ruminating
about the past) and stand back from them.
Better emotional regulation & self-awareness
Mindfulness supports you to:
Notice when thoughts or feelings are becoming overwhelming.
Create space before reacting, which means you can respond more skilfully rather than automatically.
Develop self-kindness: being aware of your inner experience without harsh self-judgment.
Improved concentration, presence & quality of life
Mindfulness helps boost attention and engagement with what’s happening now, rather than being lost in thoughts.
It also helps you notice and enjoy things you might normally take for granted (a meal, a walk, the present moment) which can enhance wellbeing.
Supports healthier behaviours & overall wellbeing
In the Bath study, people who practiced mindfulness not only reported fewer symptoms but also described better sleep, better lifestyle choices (exercise, diet) and improved attitudes to health.
So mindfulness isn’t just a “stress-tool” — it can contribute to broader wellness.
How to practice Mindfulness
You don’t have to be sitting in a cave for hours — you can bring mindfulness into everyday life and/or follow structured programs. Here are some ways:
Everyday informal practices
Mindful breathing: Take a few minutes, close your eyes (if safe), and focus on the breath flowing in and out. Notice when the mind wanders, acknowledge it gently, and come back to the breath.
Body scan: Lying or sitting, slowly bring awareness to different parts of the body (toes → legs → torso → arms → head). Notice sensations (tension, warmth, etc) without trying to change them.
Mindful everyday activities: Choose something you do daily (eating, brushing teeth, walking) and for a few moments just notice: what are you feeling, hearing, sensing? What thoughts are present?
Mindful pauses: In a busy day, take a short “micro‐pause” — 30 seconds to a minute to check in: what’s happening in my body? What am I thinking? Where is my attention?
Formal programmes & structured courses
If you prefer something guided and systematic, there are evidence-based 8-week programmes such as:
Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) — an 8-week course combining meditation, gentle movement and awareness exercises.
Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) — similar structure, with more focus on recurring depression and thought patterns.
Tips to make it work
Practice regularly (daily if possible) rather than just once in a while. Consistency builds benefit.
Choose a time and place: e.g., first thing in the morning, or during a lunch break.
Be gentle with yourself: it’s normal for the mind to wander or for uncomfortable thoughts to arise; notice them and gently return your attention.
Start small: even a few minutes is helpful. The research shows even short periods can build benefit.
If you have a diagnosed mental-health condition (especially trauma, severe anxiety, or psychosis) check with a professional or choose a course designed for your situation — mindfulness isn’t a one-size-fits-all.
Milestones
Milestones occur at different points during a project's timeline. They serve as reminders of what needs to be accomplished while the project is up and running. Milestones contribute to the end goal of projects, so it's essential to be as detailed as possible.
Groups / Places to go
Mindfully Bee (Stockport / South Manchester)
Offers group courses: e.g., an 8-week group “Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction” (MBSR) course in South Manchester. Mindfully Bee
Suitable for people who want a structured course in a group setting.
Good for building a regular practice with others present.
Manchester Buddhist Centre (Manchester)
Offers regular group sessions like “Mindfulness with Breathing” for 18-30 yr olds, weekly men’s meditation evenings, etc. Manchester Buddhist Centre
More informal and community-oriented — good if you want regular drop-in style.
Note: while it’s affiliated with Buddhist centre, many sessions are accessible to all levels.
Lancashire Women “MindFit” (Lancashire)
A group course described as 6 or 8 weeks, helping participants manage stress, anxiety, build self- compassion, resilience. Lancashire Women
Runs in Lancashire hubs (Blackpool Hub, Accrington Hub) — good if you’re further out from Manchester.
Group setting, less formal than therapy.
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust Mindfulness-Based Therapy Groups
Offers 8-week courses of “Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)” for adults (18+) in group format. Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT
Requires attendance at most weeks (6 out of 8) and home practice.
Good for structured group programme delivered by experienced facilitators.
Easy Meditation (WN5 9XN, Wigan)
Location: Montrose Avenue, Wigan WN5 9XN.
Format: Drop-in “easy meditation” event.
Cost: Free (check availability).
Good for: A relaxed, informal group setting.
Tip: Bring a blanket for extra comfort as suggested by the event. Eventbrite
The Den Yoga Studio (Standish / Wigan area)
Location: Studio One Yoga – 1 High St, Standish, Wigan WN6 0HA. Alison Gough Yoga+1
Format: Group classes including “relaxation and meditation” alongside yoga. The Den Yoga Studio
Cost & details: Check timetable online; booking required.
Good for: If you prefer a blended yoga + meditation class in a studio setting.
Tip: Evening classes might be quieter and more suited to focused mindfulness practice.
Maharishi Golden Dome (Wigan)
Location: Beacon House, Willow Walk, Wigan. Cybo
Format: Center for meditation (specifically Transcendental Meditation) group sessions available.
Good for: If you’re open to a more formal meditation technique/group.
Tip: Contact ahead to ask about schedule for beginners and drop-in opportunities.
Mindfulness Walk at Amberswood Nature Reserve (Wigan Borough)
Event: Mindfulness walk organised for carers in the Wigan borough at Amberswood Nature Reserve. Wigan Today
Format: Guided walk with mindfulness elements (nature-based, sensory awareness) rather than formal meditation sitting.
Good for: If you like being outdoors, walking + mindfulness combined.
Tip: Even though aimed at carers, might be open to others — check with organiser.
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