Investment:

£60.00 per delegate.

£300.00 for exclusive participation by a single company.

Workshop Objectives:

By the end of this workshop, participants will have had the opportunity to:

• Learn about the effects of stress and anxiety on the body and mind, in particular when this has built up over a long period;
• Learn what mindfulness is about
• Learn about the benefits that a regular mindfulness practice can bring in terms of reducing anxiety and stress
• Experience one or two mindfulness practices first-hand
• Take part in a period of reflection and discussion if appropriate
• Learn some simple techniques for integrating mindfulness into their work day
• Understand how to be aware of personal stress triggers and learn some regulation strategies

Workshop Outline:

1 – Welcome, introduction and intentions for the session

• Icebreaker – one word to describe how you’re feeling today
• What is mindfulness?

2 – Understanding stress and anxiety

• How stress and anxiety manifest in the body and mind
• How stress reduces working memory
• Physiological and psychological responses
• Identifying your personal stress triggers
• Group discussion if appropriate

3 – Awareness of the present moment

• Understanding ‘Autopilot’
• What it means to be aware of the present moment
• Why we need this awareness to help manage our stress and anxiety
• Short and light group practical meditation to highlight this concept
• Using physical and mental awareness to recognise unhelpful thoughts and patterns
• Formulating a response rather than a reaction to these thoughts

4 – Ways to develop your anchor

• Short guided meditation

5 – Learning to respond with compassion

• Self compassion vs self criticism and judgment

6 – Everyday mindfulness tools for cultivating joyful moments

• Why everyday micro-practices are important for bringing wellbeing into your life
• How to integrate mindfulness into routine activities

7 – Creating your mindful toolkit

• What you think would work for you based on today’s workshop
• Note down one tool you will try this week
• Note down one situation you want to bring mindfulness to

9 – Short story to illustrate the importance of being present

10 – Resources available for continued practice and support

• Weekly drop-in sessions
• Guided audio recordings

11 – Final thoughts

• A short meditation for use any time you need a breathing space