We all use social media, TV and other media as a means of occasional escapism - however, taking a break every so often can help us to live calmer, happier lives. A day of mindfulness is a great way to do this and it's easy to organise by yourself or with others. This episode sets out how to do it and includes a calm / ease guided meditation.

Meditation  can be used to reduce stress / anxiety, improve your mood and live a  more peaceful, fulfilled life. If you find it helpful, I invite you to  share with others and say hello!   If you're on Apple podcasts, you may wish to leave a review. May you be happy, may you be peaceful, may you be healthy and live a long life.

Twitter - https://twitter.com/mindfulness_for

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-at-mindfulness-for-beginners-7b79a019b/

In this extended episode I have a mindful chat with my wonderful friend Katie Sheen who I met when we set up a sangha (mindfulness group) with others. She's a fully qualified teacher who has been practicing mindfulness in her own life for over sixteen years, including through cancer treatment in 2015. Katie teaches mindfulness courses and has created her own online course and app (links below).

We chat about how mindfulness can be used to support people through the current crisis as well her personal experience with pain and how mindfulness can make a significant difference with regular practice. Katie leads us through a wonderful guided meditation on compassion for ourselves and others.

Free Breathworks self paced course to support through the crisis 

Appreciating Windowsills app

Katie's free Udemy Mindfulness for Anxiety course, now being watched by students in over 75 different countries! 

The Happiness Calendar can be accessed for free via Katie's home page

Remorse can help us to reflect on errors and avoid repeating them - but its important to keep things in perspective. If we didn't intent harm to others, it's import that we treat ourselves with compassion as we would a friend. We can let go of regular feelings of guilt by looking deeply into it's roots. This episode includes a guided mindfulness meditation supporting you to let go of guilt.

Meditation  can be used to reduce stress / anxiety, improve your mood and live a  more peaceful, fulfilled life. If you find it helpful, I invite you to  share with others and say hello!   If you're on Apple podcasts, you may wish to leave a review. May you be happy, may you be peaceful, may you be healthy and live a long life. 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/mindfulness_for 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-at-mindfulness-for-beginners-7b79a019b/

A great way to relax before bed is a body scan, where we focus our awareness on each part of our body. Many people fall asleep during the practice and it's helpful if you suffer from insomnia. Mindfulness of body beings us into the present moment, leaving our past regrets and anxiety / stress about the future behind. The practice also supports us to return to our bodies when we're working, relaxing or watching TV.

Meditation  can be used to reduce stress / anxiety, improve your mood and live a  more peaceful, fulfilled life. If you find it helpful, I invite you to  share with others and say hello!   If you're on Apple podcasts, you may wish to leave a review. May you be happy, may you be peaceful, may you be healthy and live a long life.

Twitter - https://twitter.com/mindfulness_for

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-at-mindfulness-for-beginners-7b79a019b/

All of us get anxious thoughts, especially when under stress - trying to ignore them or cover them up with food, alcohol, TV or social media only increases our suffering in the long run. In this episode we explore paying attention to our anxious thoughts - inviting them in, making them a cup of tea and listening to what they have to say. By being present with our anxiety we can reduce the impact it has on our wellbeing. 

Meditation  can be used to reduce stress / anxiety, improve your mood and live a  more peaceful, fulfilled life. If you find it helpful, I invite you to  share with others and say hello!   If you're on Apple podcasts, you may wish to leave a review. May you be happy, may you be peaceful, may you be healthy and live a long life.

Twitter - https://twitter.com/mindfulness_for

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-at-mindfulness-for-beginners-7b79a019b/

Its easy for us to focus on what we've lost or anxious about losing - a relationship, our health, a job or the wellbeing of someone we care about. Gratitude is a key part of maintaining good mental health; mindfulness and meditation can help us to focus on the things in our lives which bring us joy like the people we love, our home and even the simple joy of being alive. Includes a 20 minutes guided meditation.

Meditation  can be used to reduce stress / anxiety, improve your mood and live a  more peaceful, fulfilled life. If you find it helpful, I invite you to  share with others and say hello!   If you're on Apple podcasts, you may wish to leave a review. May you be happy, may you be peaceful, may you be healthy and live a long life.

Twitter - https://twitter.com/mindfulness_for

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-at-mindfulness-for-beginners-7b79a019b/

I spoke recently to psychologist, author, mindfulness coach and founder of Mindbar Kerri Cummings about the benefits of mindfulness, some misconceptions and learning to get comfortable with your thoughts. And how mindfulness can improve your putting game!

Website: www.mind-bar.de

Blog: www.moderndaymindful.com

Instagram: @mindbar_practice

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindBarPractice/

Twitter: @moderndaymindful

A great way to maintain our mental health during these difficult times is to set a daily routine - this can include meditation, socialising, exercising and creative activities. This episode talks this through as well as a 'day of mindfulness' and guided meditation focusing on the body.

Twitter - https://twitter.com/mindfulness_for

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-at-mindfulness-for-beginners-7b79a019b/

Daily Yoga - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBu-pQG6sTY

Sleep Hygiene - https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/sleep-hygiene

Day of Mindfulness - https://plumvillage.org/retreats/days-of-mindfulness/

Meditation  can be used to reduce stress / anxiety, improve your mood and live a  more peaceful, fulfilled life. If you find it helpful, I invite you to  share with others and say hello!   If you're on Apple podcasts, you may wish to leave a review. May you be happy, may you be peaceful, may you be healthy and live a long life.